Most people associate spinal problems with back aches. However, the spinal cord is responsible for the entire body’s motor functions, and spinal issues can manifest in many ways. In this article, top spine & orthopedic specialists from Acme Spine & Orthopedics explain when you should stop ignoring discomfort and consult with a spine doctor.
How Do I Know It’s Time For a Spine Doctor Consultation?
Musculoskeletal health directly affects our ability to go about our daily activities. Whether you strained your back lifting a box or are noticing worsening symptoms over time from chronic illness, these are the signs it’s time to seek professional help for back pain treatment.
1. Unexplained numbness, weakness, or tingling
If you suddenly notice tingling or numbness in your limbs, feet, or hands that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it. The spine houses all the nerves in the body that run through your extremities, and underlying spinal issues causing nerve compression may be the culprit behind these symptoms. Our spine & orthopedic specialists Dr. Barry Schapiro and Dr. Javier M. Figueroa often have patients come in complaining about numbness or tingling who, upon further examination, turn out to have nerve compression such as sciatica.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention in these cases – early intervention is key to prevent permanent nerve damage.
2. Persistent or increasing back pain
Back pain is common, and most people can recover with some rest and relaxation. But if the pain continues for weeks, worsens, or gets to the point it’s disturbing your daily activities, you need to consult with a spine doctor. There are many potential causes behind persistent back pain, including:
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint arthritis (spinal arthritis)
- Muscle strain or strain
3. Limited range of motion
The spine allows your body to bend, twist, and reach. If you’re having trouble tying your shoes, turning to reach for something, or putting on socks, it could be due to an underlying spinal issue. A decreased range of motion and limited mobility can significantly hinder quality of life and increase the risk of falls and further injury. Some major causes of limited mobility include:
- Spondylosis
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
As one of the best orthopedic care specialists in South Florida, Dr. Barry Schapiro can pinpoint the underlying issue behind your restricted mobility and help you decide on the best course of treatment and joint care options, such as minimally invasive surgery, interventional pain management, or stem cell therapy.
4. Reduced quality of life
Chronic pain and other spinal issues can seriously hinder someone’s ability to walk, bend, and go about their daily life. When accomplishing even the simplest tasks takes monumental effort, professional support is needed to stop the conditioning from getting even worse, and also to help with your general mental health. If you’re struggling to climb stairs, get out of bed, or sit for longer than a few minutes, seeking help is key.
Simple tasks like lifting objects shouldn’t be difficult – our spine & orthopedic specialists can help.
The Best Spine & Orthopedic Specialists In South Florida
With locations in Orlando, Kissimmee, Coral Springs and Hollywood, ACME Spine & Orthopedics has helped thousands of patients regain their mobility and quality of life. Our spine & orthopedic specialists Dr. Barry Schapiro and Dr. Javier M. Figueroa are renowned in their respective fields for minimally invasive methods and innovative techniques. Call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule an appointment today.
FAQs
Should I see a spine doctor about radiating pain in my back?
Yes, that is a sign of nerve compression that requires treatment
When should I see a spinal specialist?
You should see a spinal specialist if you experience persistent, worsening pain, numbness or tingling in your limbs, or if the pain is impacting your quality of life.
What can a spine specialist do for my back pain?
Spine specialists can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment options to alleviate pain or prevent the pain from worsening.
