Nobody wants to be hit with a bill for emergency medical services, but at the same time, waiting to get medical attention can sometimes lead to a much bigger problem. So how can you know if time is of the essence and you should seek medical attention immediately, or if you have time to schedule an appointment and see your primary care physician or a spine specialist? Below, we explain when spinal problems warrant a trip to the emergency room.
When To Head To The ER For Back Problems
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a physician sooner rather than later.
- Pain Keeps Worsening – For most individuals, pain is most intense at the moment of trauma, and while it may not fully resolve on its own over the course of a few days or weeks, generally pain subsides a little. However, if your back or neck pain gets worse as time goes on, it’s a sign of a major issue that requires a trip to the ER.
- Bathroom Issues – If back discomfort is rendering you incapable of going to the bathroom like normal, head to a doctor, because untreated bowel or urinary problems can cause serious health issues. If you can’t control your bladder or can no longer go to the bathroom as expected, it’s time for a trip to the emergency room.
- Neurological Problems – If a spine problem is causing neurological issues, you need to visit a specialist right away. Symptoms like blurred vision, leg weakness or loss of sensation in your extremities means there is likely a nerve issue that needs to be addressed. Waiting to have your primary care doctor view the problem can lead to more nerve damage, which will make the condition harder to successfully treat.
- Fever – If your back pain is presenting with a fever, there’s a strong possibility that you’re dealing with a spinal infection. These infections can wreak havoc on your spinal system, and oftentimes they are well-treated with antibiotics, so head to the ER and get on a medication regimen as soon as you notice your temperature is rising.
- Function Loss – If you can no longer move part of your body, you need prompt medical attention. This could be a sign of a severe spinal cord injury, and time is of the essence with these types of injuries.
- History of Cancer – Finally, if you have a personal or familial history of cancer or spinal tumors, head to a doctor if you’ve developed back pain, especially if you can’t explain why pain would be developing. Cancer doesn’t wait for you, so don’t wait weeks to be seen by a primary care physician. Head to the ER.
If you keep these tips in mind, we’re confident you’ll make the right decision for your overall health and the health of your spine. And for more information about spine pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
