Just because back pain is common doesn’t mean it’s okay. When chronic back pain hinders your ability to enjoy the activities you love, prevents you from spending time with friends and family, and impacts your overall quality of life, it’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Addressing back pain requires the best back surgeon you can find. Back pain is not a simple problem with a quick fix. Truly getting to the root of the issue and treating chronic back pain requires consistency, patience, and a comprehensive approach to effectively alleviating symptoms and managing the problem. If you’re on the fence about tackling your chronic back pain, here are some signals you may need surgical intervention.
Five Signs You Need The Best Back Surgeon
1. Pain That Never Stops
Practically everybody jokes about an aching back as they age, but chronic pain that follows you around day and night may be a more serious issue. Persistent back pain that isn’t alleviated with over-the-counter medications or rest may mean you need to visit a specialist, as it may be a symptom of a serious problem requiring surgical intervention.
2. The Pain Gets Worse
Numbness or weakness in your limbs, feet, or hands is a sign you may need surgical intervention. Spinal stenosis is a common culprit for weakness or tingling in the limbs. This is a condition that causes spaces in the spine to narrow, putting pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord. Nerve compression caused by herniated discs can also cause such symptoms. If you’re experiencing weakness or numbness in the feet, legs, arms, or hands, you need to talk to a healthcare professional, as ignoring such signs can result in permanent nerve damage.
3. Losing Sleep Due To Pain
Consistent, quality sleep is critical to maintaining your health. Unfortunately, persistent back pain can make it extremely difficult to get a good night’s rest. If your pain is so significant that it disrupts your sleep, you may need to start considering surgical options. Poor sleep can exacerbate pain, weaken your body’s ability to heal itself, and result in a vicious cycle of sleeplessness and discomfort.
4. Difficulty Standing Upright or Walking
If you’re having difficulty walking or standing upright, it’s definitely time to see a specialist. Conditions such as spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis can severely limit your mobility and affect your ability to sit, stand, and walk. Surgery may be necessary to get you back on your feet.
5. When All Else Fails
Surgery is usually the last-resort option for patients suffering from chronic back pain. When chiropractic care, physical therapy, injections, and medications fail to alleviate your pain, surgery may be the only way to go. You should consult with a spine specialist and decide together on the most effective course of treatment for the unrelenting pain.
Contact Us Today
Surgery is a serious decision, but when all else fails, it may be necessary to regain your quality of life. Moreover, putting off treatment for certain underlying conditions that may be causing your back pain can lead to degeneration, permanent nerve damage, and other lasting problems. If you’re looking for the best back surgeon in Florida, call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule a consultation today.