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5 Signs You Need To See Spine Specialists

May 3, 2021

You’ve probably experienced nagging back pain before—just remember you’re not alone. Lower back pain is the world’s leading cause of disability.

Back pain affects every part of your life.

But how do you know when enough is enough, and it’s time to see an expert?

We’ve put together 5 signs that you need to see spine specialists. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Chronic Pain

There are different categories of pain; acute, subacute, and chronic.

Acute pain only lasts for a few days or weeks at most. It will usually stop without any interference. Subacute pain lasts between four and 12 weeks.

If you experience acute or subacute back pain, you don’t usually need to see a spine specialist. Your physician or a chiropractor will usually be able to ease your pain.

Chronic pain affects around 20% of people around the world. It is classified as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. The pain continues even after injuries and potential causes have been treated.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain, then it’s time to see a spine specialist.

2. Toilet Trouble

Are you having back pain, and trouble in the toilet?

Perhaps you need to use the restroom more often than normal? Or maybe you find yourself spending longer on the toilet than you used to?

This could be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or another common digestive issue. These can cause cramping in the abdomen, which can cause discomfort in your lower back.

However, changes to your bowel or bladder habits can be caused by nerve damage in the back. A trapped nerve in the spine can cause abdominal pain and disrupt your digestion.

If you’re experiencing back pain and toilet trouble, consider reaching out to a specialist to investigate.

3. Numbness, Weakness, or Pain

If you’re experiencing back pain, as well as numbness, weakness, or pain in your limbs, then it may be best to contact a specialist. These sensations may be caused by pressure on the spine or nerves.

This pressure could be caused by a herniated disk pressing on the spine’s sciatic nerve. This can affect your muscle control and physical sensations.

Or you may be experiencing cervical radiculopathy. This is when your nerve root near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. This often causes pain and numbness in your extremities.

These issues can often be resolved without surgery. However, it’s best to discuss your symptoms and options with a spine specialist.

4. High Fever

Our temperatures naturally fluctuate throughout the day. They can also increase if we are unwell.

But, if you have a fever plus pain in the lumbar region or thoracic spine, it could be a sign of something more serious.

These could be symptoms of an infection. This usually begins elsewhere in the body and causes pain in your abdomen, pelvis, and lower back.

If you’re worried, then discuss your symptoms with a spine specialist.

5. Weight Loss

If you’re actively trying to lose weight, then back pain can be a common side effect.

This may be because you have reduced your calories and the nutrients that your body is receiving. This can cause your bone density to decrease, leading to pain. This can be easily reversed by eating a balanced diet to ensure your body is receiving all that it needs.

Your back pain may also be caused by an increase or change in your exercise regime. Discomfort is usually caused by engaging and strengthening muscles around your back. The discomfort should ease with time. You could consider adapting your exercise while your strength is increasing.

However, if you have back pain and you’re losing weight unintentionally, then this could be a sign of something more serious. It’s best to see a doctor or specialist to discuss what you’re experiencing.

When to See Spine Specialists

Back pain can impact affect every aspect of your life. If you’re suffering from any of these five signs, or your back pain is causing concern, then it’s time to see spine specialists.

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