When to Seek Treatment for Spine Pain
Neck or back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Spine issues affect millions of people in the U.S every year and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Back pain can also interfere with daily activities, employment and overall quality of life. Although many types of back or neck pain will eventually go away given time, some pain is the sign of a chronic condition that may benefit from treatment. Other types of pain are indicators of a severe problem that needs urgent care. Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive care for all types of spine pain that Twin Cities residents experience. This guide can help you better understand when to seek out one of our spine specialists.
What Causes Spine Pain?
Your spine is a complex mechanism. Bones called vertebrae protect your spinal cord and delicate nerves while providing structure to your torso. Intervertebral discs made of cartilage and other tissue prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Muscles, ligaments and tendons help your neck and back move. When any one of these parts becomes injured or damaged, you can experience pain.
Some of the most common neck and lower back pain causes include:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Arthritis
- Car accidents or other injuries
- Congenital spinal changes such as scoliosis
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
- Infections
- Inflammation from overuse
- Medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or osteoporosis
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Poor posture
- Pregnancy
- Spinal tumors
Typical Symptoms of Back Pain
If you know or suspect the origins of your pain, you may have a clearer starting place on how to manage your symptoms. However, many people experience neck, middle or lower back pain without knowing why. Assessing your symptoms can help you understand when to seek appropriate treatment.
Muscle-related pain often feels like soreness, stiffness or cramping. Tense muscles may feel like knots. This kind of pain often improves with rest, anti-inflammatory pain medication and gentle stretching. If your pain is not severe, goes away within a few days or weeks, and does not interfere with daily activities, you may want to see if it resolves naturally before seeking treatment.
However, if your pain feels sharp, severe or prevents you from going about your daily life, it’s important to consult with a doctor. Summit Orthopedics specialists are also happy to evaluate you and provide reassurance—or any needed treatments—for pain of shorter duration.
Making the Decision to Seek Treatment
If you are not experiencing severe spine pain symptoms, it can be easy to delay treatment. But there’s also no reason to suffer from your pain for weeks and months. It’s time to talk to a Summit Orthopedics provider if:
- Pain causes you to miss work: Lower back pain is the top cause of workplace related disability.
- Pain limits your daily activities: When you are unable to perform routine tasks like walking, standing or sitting without significant discomfort, you need professional help for your back pain.
- Pain restricts activities you enjoy: If you can make it through the day but pain is stopping you from your favorite activities or hobbies, treatment can help get you back to the things you love.
- Your pain hasn’t improved after a few weeks: Sometimes back pain may not get worse over time. But if you can’t find relief from your pain, even with rest and medication, an orthopedic provider may be able to get help.
If your pain starts getting worse at any time, or you start experiencing additional symptoms, it is also time to call a provider.
Symptoms of Serious Spine Concerns
Some symptoms of back or neck pain can indicate a more serious underlying issue. These “red flag” symptoms are signals that you need prompt medical evaluation from a provider or at the emergency room. They include:
- Bowel or bladder incontinence: If you’re having trouble controlling your bowe or bladder, this could be a sign of a serious medical problem.
- Chest pain or pressure: A heart attack or other cardiac problem can cause neck or upper back pain. Call 911 if you experience back and chest pain together.
- Fever, swollen glands or weight loss: These symptoms in combination with back pain may suggest an infection or even a spinal tumor. While rare, it’s essential to get these symptoms checked out right away.
- Headache, dizziness or balance problems: These symptoms could indicate a neurological problem related to neck pain.
- Ongoing or severe numbness or tingling: Numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling is often a sign that a spinal nerve is being compressed.
- Severe or constant pain: If your back pain never goes away or it wakes you up at night, you should seek treatment.
- Significant muscle weakness: Losing the proper function of your arms or legs or developing difficulty walking is a sign to seek care. Muscle weakness can indicate that nerves in the spine are under pressure.
- Worsening pain: You should consult a healthcare provider if your pain is getting worse instead of better after a few weeks.
You should also consult a doctor about any back pain if you are currently under treatment for cancer or have had cancer in the past.
Treatment Can Help Your Spine Pain
Whether you have a back injury, chronic age-related pain or a rare spine disorder, Summit Orthopedics has the upper and lower back pain relief you need. Our physical therapists can design a tailored exercise program to improve symptoms and lessen the chance of the pain coming back. If you ultimately need spine surgery, our board certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures whenever possible.
If you’re struggling with pain, don’t delay care. Early evaluation and treatment can help you avoid more severe problems and get back to the activities you love.
If you’ve decided to get treatment for spine pain, Summit Orthopedics is here to help. Request an appointment online.
