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3 Warning Signs Your Spinal Pain May Be Serious
August 15, 2021
Ignoring spinal pain can lead to serious life-changing consequences. Some patients who deal with back pain feel as though it’s no big deal or something they can live with, so they don’t contact a spine specialist. In some cases, patients who ignore spinal pain end up letting their pain worsen over time or even end up losing control of their limbs.
In this article, we discuss the three signs that you need to seek out a spine doctor immediately. Continue reading if you want to know when to seek out emergency spine surgery.
1. The Spinal Pain Is Sudden and Extreme
Extreme spinal pain is a red flag that you shouldn’t ignore, especially if it happens suddenly. In some cases, a fall or other movement can result in a herniated disc in your spine. Herniations can cause your spinal discs to press against nerves, which can result in shooting or intense pains.
You might not need to seek out an emergency spine specialist if your pain is tolerable, even if it occurs suddenly. It’s possible that a muscle was pulled or even a minor injury. While we recommend seeing a spine doctor for any back pain, extreme pain needs to be dealt with immediately.
2. You Experience Tingling or Numbness
Tingling or numbness is not a good sign when dealing with back pain. In some cases, these symptoms can be a cause for emergency spine surgery. The numbness may be in the groin area, down your legs, or along your spine.
It is especially important to contact a spinal care facility if the numbness is worsening or if you lose control of any limbs. It’s also possible for the numbness to lead to a loss of control of your bladder or bowels. If this occurs, we recommend calling 9-1-1 right away.
3. It Doesn’t Go Away
Just because your pain isn’t extreme or sudden, it doesn’t mean that it is not serious. While an estimated 50-80% of adults experience back pain in their lives, it’s not normal for it to continue for long periods of time. This is called chronic back pain and it can affect your quality of life.
Some patients find that their back pain prevents them from performing activities they used to love or it keeps them up at night. While some may accept this as part of life, it’s a serious issue that should motivate you to seek out spinal care.
What to Do
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting your trusted Clearwater spine doctor. In some cases, surgery might offer you the relief you need, which is something you need to discuss with your spine doctor. The sooner you seek out help, the better sooner you’ll get relief.
Know How to Handle Spinal Pain
Serious spinal pain needs to be addressed quickly by the best Clearwater spine doctor. Paying attention to your symptoms will help you decide if you’re in an emergency situation, so make sure to continuously assess your pain levels and other symptoms. If you are experiencing severe or prolonged pain, speak to your spine doctor right away.
To speak to a spinal care team that cares, contact us today.