A lot of people have back pain. It can happen to people of any age, and the pain can be mild or very bad, making it impossible to do anything. Rest and over-the-counter painkillers can help with a lot of back pain, but sometimes the pain is too much to handle. How quickly you get better and how healthy you are in the long run will depend on when you see a doctor.
If your back pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, you might want to see a Denver back expert. A specialist can carefully examine you and offer specific treatment choices that will help ease your pain and get to the bottom of your problems. If you’re having back pain, these are some signs that you should see a doctor:
1. Pain Lasting More Than a Few Days
One of the primary indicators that you should consult a back specialist is if your pain persists for more than a few days. Most cases of back pain resolve within a few days to a week with basic self-care measures such as rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medications. If this doesn’t help and the pain gets worse or doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a herniated disc, spine stenosis, or other spinal problems. A Denver back specialist can help diagnose the cause and recommend effective treatment plans to address the underlying issue.
2. Pain Radiating Down Your Legs or Arms
Back pain that radiates down your legs or arms is a common sign of nerve involvement. This kind of pain is often caused by sciatica, which happens when the sciatic nerve gets affected. You should see an expert if you have sharp or shooting pain that goes from your lower back down to your legs or from your neck to your arms. A back specialist can perform tests to determine whether there is nerve compression or other spinal issues causing the pain and offer appropriate treatments to relieve the discomfort.
3. Difficulty Moving or Performing Daily Tasks
If your back pain is so severe that it interferes with your ability to perform daily activities like walking, bending, or sitting comfortably, you should seek professional help. Having trouble with everyday jobs could be a sign of a deeper problem that needs more advanced care. A Denver back specialist can assess your situation and recommend treatments such as physical therapy, spinal injections, or even surgical options if necessary. Getting help early on can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.
4. Numbness, Weakness, or Loss of Sensation
If you have back pain and numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, feet, or arms, it could mean that a nerve is being pressed on or damaged. These feelings can be caused by conditions like a herniated disc or spine stenosis that put pressure on nerves. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a back specialist immediately. A Denver back specialist can perform imaging tests like MRIs to determine the cause of the nerve compression and provide treatment options to prevent further damage.
5. History of Injury or Trauma
If your back pain is the result of a recent injury, fall, or car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Trauma can lead to fractures, sprains, or other injuries that require professional care. Even if the pain seems mild, it is essential to have it evaluated by a specialist to rule out serious injuries and prevent long-term complications.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common issue, but it is important to recognize when it requires professional attention. If your pain lasts for more than a few days, radiates down your legs or arms, or causes weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving, it’s time to see a Denver back specialist. A specialist can properly figure out what’s causing your pain and make a treatment plan just for you that will help you feel better. Don’t ignore back pain that won’t go away; getting help early can help you recover faster and have better long-term health.