When Do I Need To Visit A Spine Doctor?

When Do I Need To Visit A Spine Doctor? The spine is one of the most important organs of our body. Apart from helping us to stand erect, the spine is not just another bony structure. It has scores of nerves running through it and helps control various functions of the body.

Many people suffer from various problems of the spine. According to many research studies, lower back pain is one of the leading reasons for pain and lack of mobility amongst millions of people. It also could lead to disabilities of various levels and various types.

The numbers are quite frightening and each year around 50% of the Americans suffer some form of back pain or the other. While for many it may seem to be a daily occurrence, it may not always be prudent to ignore it because it could lead to many complications.

While most back pains subside with rest and by taking some NSAIDs and pain killers, there may be some situations, where it may be necessary to take things seriously.

We are listing down some common spine problems associated with pain when it may become necessary to visit a spine-doctor or an orthopedic or even neurological specialist.

Orthopaedic spine specialists are those who have experience, qualification and expertise in focusing on various pains and discomfort of the musculoskeletal system.

They focus and treat problems and diseases that are related to the spine and the bony structure that makes up the spine. In many cases, the problems could occur because of injury or even some surgeries could lead to the problem.

Hence, often these professionals are also referred to as spine surgeons. We are listing down a few obvious signs where it is a must to visit a spine-doctor.

Chronic Pain

Acute back pain is quite unbearable but mercifully this type of pain is short-lived and it happens only for a few days or at best a few weeks in a year or once in two years.

The cause disappears on its own and no further treatment is required to help the person recover from such acute pains. However, if you come across back pains that continues for four weeks, you could be suffering from what is known as sub-acute pain.

This type of pain could last as long as 12 weeks. These pains are caused because of mechanical reasons and mostly they can be fixed without surgery.

Any back pain that lasts beyond 12 weeks even after the underlying causes have been treated could be a cause of concern and you must not waste time visiting a spine-doctor.

Bladder & Bowel Related Issues

There could be situations where you could be seen running to the rest room and sitting on the commode for hours. This is no fun and at the same time if this continues to be a regular features, then you may have a problem related to the spinal cord or the backbone.

Many people suffer from nerve damage in the back and this could lead to abdominal pain and cause disruptions to your digestions apart from putting pressure on your bowel and urinary habits.

In such situations, it would be better to take the help of professional spine doctors to rule out that nothing is serious.

Leg or Feet Pain

Numbness and pain in one or both the legs or your feet along with back pain is certainly a warning sign. You must immediately see a spine-doctor.

The pain could be because of a number of reasons and when it is accompanied by back pain, it could be because of pressure on the nerves. This could also lead to weakness around the hip and also a tingling sensation in one or both the legs, feet and fingers.

Unexplained Fever

Fever usually is a symptom of infection that is caused by bacteria or virus. However, if you have a fever accompanied with pain and discomfort in the lumbar region, you must make it a point to visit a spinal specialist.

There is nothing much to panic and in many cases, the pain could be because of a muscle or tissue pull or strain caused by fever arising out of bacterial or viral infection.

But having yourself checked by a spine-doctor may help in diagnosing any serious issues and the same can be nipped in the bud.

When Do I Need To Visit A Spine Doctor? – Conclusion

There could be many reasons for spinal and low back pain and not everything is serious or something that you should worry about. However, if the pain and discomfort is persistent and consistent, it is time for you to take it seriously.

You should not delay the process of consulting a spine-specialist who will be able to diagnose the problem and offer the right treatment.