If you have back pain, you are not alone. So much so that back pain is the world’s leading cause of disability according to the Global Burden Of Disease. Maybe you just tweak a muscle in your back and it goes away within days with rest and ice. Perhaps you bent down to tie a shoe in an awkward position, and suddenly there is a shooting pain. These instances happen to all of us at some time, but what about more serious back problems? Watch out for these 7 signs a back injury is serious.
The Pain Extends To Other Parts Of Your Body
If you are having back pain along with shooting pains down your leg, go see DFW Center for Spinal Disorders. This could be sciatica which affects the sciatic nerve. The pain will move from the lower back through the buttocks, and down one or both legs. It could be a herniated disc causing the pain.
The Pain Has Lasted Over One Week
Most back pain subsides in a few days, unless it’s more serious. If yours is showing no signs of letting up, time to see a doctor.
You Have Numbness, Tingling, And Weakness
If you experience any of these sensations, it could be nerve damage. If you take over-the-counter medications and the numbness and tingling does not improve, don’t delay in seeing our spine surgeons. Nerve pain is serious, and if not treated, can result in permanent damage or disability.
You Have Trouble Going To The Bathroom
If you suddenly have trouble relieving yourself after an injury, it could be just a strain or it could be a bacterial infection. It could feel like you have a urinary tract infection, but if it occurs shortly after you hurt your back, see a doctor.
You Are Hunching Over
If you realize that you have lost height and are hunching over, this could accompanied by:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Inability to stretch out to your full height
- Lumbar nerve damage making it painful to walk
You Have Unexplained Weight Loss
If this is accompanied by back pain, there could be something more serious going on like an infection or a tumor, so see DFW Center for Spinal Disorders to rule out these issues.
You Have Trouble Breathing
Acute pain in your lower or middle back can cause breathing issues. It could indicate that your back is injured causing you pain when trying to breathe.
Don’t ignore back pain. If it isn’t relieved by rest and other typical measures, time to see a doctor.
Contact DFW Center for Spinal Disorders at (817) 916-4685 for an evaluation at our spine center in Dallas if you experience any of these 7 signs.
