Back pain is one of the most common complaints heard in doctor’s offices. An estimated 619 million people globally experienced some form of back pain in 2020. Experts estimate the number could grow to over 840 million by 2050. Unfortunately, the back is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. The slightest thing can cause pain.
For many of our patients, it is a matter of when to see the doctor. A certain amount of self-care is appropriate for minor pains, strains, and even arthritis. But there is a point when it’s time to take the plunge and see a doctor. Below are six signs to look for. If you have noticed them, perhaps it’s time for you to pay a visit to Lone Star Pain Medicine.
1. Your Pain Has Persisted More Than a Few Weeks
Many cases of mild back pain are either nonspecific (meaning they have no known cause) or result from a minor injury. Such cases tend to resolve on their own. We would expect resolution within a couple of weeks. If you have back pain lasting more than 2-3 weeks, it may be time to pay a visit to the doctor.
2. Your Pain Doesn’t Improve With Rest
There may be cause for concern if the pain in your back does not improve with rest. This is especially true if you are experiencing severe back pain.
Minor back issues are often the result of strains, strains, overused muscles, and that sort of thing. Rest takes the pressure off the muscles and tendons, allowing them to relax and begin to heal. So we would expect minor injuries to feel better with rest. If that is not happening for you, there’s probably something else going on.
3. Your Pain Radiates
Yet another sign that it is time to see a doctor is pain that radiates down one or both legs. If the radiating pain extends below the knee, that’s even more reason. Radiating pain is a sign of something potentially more complicated. Your issue likely isn’t a sprain or muscle strain.
It probably isn’t serious, but a doctor would be the one to tell you. A doctor can also order a variety of tests to confirm what could be causing your pain.
4. You’re Also Experiencing Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
It’s probably time to see a doctor if you are also experiencing weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs. This could be a sign of sciatica or another problem that isn’t likely to go away on its own. Again, you’re probably not looking at anything serious. But you still might need the help of a doctor to start feeling better.
5. You’ve Experienced Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss alongside persistent back pain suggests an underlying condition or disease. In other words, the pain you are experiencing is a symptom of another condition rather than a direct injury to your back. Note that weight loss is always something you should talk to your doctor about.
6. There Are Extenuating Circumstances
Finally, consider seeing a doctor if there are extenuating circumstances. Perhaps you have developed bowel or bladder problems along with your back pain. Maybe you have recently experienced some sort of trauma to the back or abdomen. These extenuating circumstances suggest either an internal injury or another underlying condition.
Mild to moderate back pain often resolves on its own, especially when it is nonspecific. If you have back pain and your self-care routine hasn’t worked, consider seeing a pain specialist. We pain medicine doctors know how to diagnose and treat back pain.
