While most people will experience occasional neck and back pain at some point in their lives, there are situations in which pain may indicate a more serious condition. Knowing when to seek prompt care is important for preventing worsening pain and potentially permanent nerve damage. Read on to learn more from the spine & orthopedic specialists at ACME Spine & Orthopedics about when you should visit a specialist for your neck or back pain.
When Should I Consult With Spine & Orthopedic Specialists?
We all have a twinge of back or neck pain from time to time, but when you’re living with chronic pain that hinders your ability to enjoy life, or dealing with mobility issues that make it impossible to move around freely, it’s time for an evaluation by spine & orthopedic specialists. Primary care doctors are a great point of reference, but only specialists will have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to treat musculoskeletal or nervous system problems.
Delayed care can cause any underlying conditions to worsen. If you experience the following symptoms, you should seek specialized care.
1. Loss of bladder or bowel control
Sudden, unexplained loss of bowel or bladder control – particularly when experienced in conjunction with back or neck pain – is a huge red flag requiring immediate medical attention. The sudden loss of evacuatory control is known as cauda equina syndrome, which results from severe compression of nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord. Without prompt treatment, the nerve roots may suffer permanent damage and lead to paralysis.
Our spine & orthopedic specialists Dr. Barry E. Schapiro and Dr. Javier Figueroa will give you a thorough spine evaluation and treat underlying issues such as nerve compression to prevent worsening symptoms.
2. Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the limbs or extremities
The spinal cord houses nerves that stretch out to all parts of the body, not just the back. If you experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in your extremities along with back pain, there may be nerve damage or compression in the spine. Some conditions which may result in nerve compression include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
Timely care is necessary to prevent further nerve damage with such conditions.
3. Persistent, severe pain
If you experience chronic pain that doesn’t seem to get better with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers, there may be something more serious going on. If your back pain persists or worsens over several weeks, it’s time to consult with spine & orthopedic specialists who can evaluate the pain and determine a course of treatment.
4. When your back pain comes with chills, fever, or unexplained weight loss
When symptoms such as fever, chills, or sudden weight loss coincide with back pain, it may be due to a serious underlying problem such as a tumor or spinal infection. You should go in promptly for a thorough medical examination to identify the problem; if you go to your primary care physician for a checkup due to your fever, they may send you for a spine evaluation to rule out spinal tumors.
5. Pain after an injury, fall, or trauma
Falls, injury, and blunt force trauma can result in dislocations, fractures, or serious damage to the spine that calls for immediate specialized treatment. If you experience back pain after such an injury, you should go in for an orthopedic consultation to diagnose and treat any musculoskeletal and spinal issues.
Consult with Top Spine & Orthopedic Specialists In South Florida
Dr. Barry Schapiro and Dr. Javier M. Figueroa are top spine & orthopedic specialists who have helped thousands of patients return to healthy, active lives. If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help from a specialist. Call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule an appointment today.
