You're
wondering if the persistent back pain you're feeling is serious enough to
warrant seeing an orthopedic back doctor.
Back pain
is a common ailment that can be as harmless as a mild headache or eye strain.
The majority of people will experience it at one time or another without the
need to resort to a specialist doctor.
And then,
there are times when it feels like something might be really wrong. The
pain is too intense or just won't go away.
Orthopedic
doctors know all about musculoskeletal issues and can
help rehabilitate back pain.
In this
article, we'll see if the back pain you're feeling will just pass on its own or
if it's serious enough to go visit an orthopedic doctor. Read on!
Is Your Back Pain Serious?
The vast
majority of the time, back pain is benign. However, in some cases, it might
indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
Here are
some signs that your back pain is serious:
- Fever
- Blood
in urine or stool
- Loss
of bladder control
- Weight
loss
- Numbness
in the legs
- Can't
urinate or have a bowel movement
- Balance
problems
- Sexual
dysfunction
- Worsening
of the pain despite resting
- Recent
trauma
Causes of Intense Back Pain
Severe
back pain may be caused by several conditions that usually involve the bones or
discs.
Here is a
list of these potential conditions:
- Disc
herniations
- Fracture
- Bone
or disc infections
- Cauda
equina syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Meningitis
- Multiple
sclerosis
- Transverse
myelitis
- Tumors
- Kidney
stones
- Spinal
stenosis
- GI
ulcers
What Is an Orthopedic Doctor?
If you
recognize some of these signs and symptoms in yourself, it's time to consult
with an orthopedic doctor. This article from
Pipdoc.com gives you a more in-depth perspective on whether
you need to see an orthopedic doctor.
Sometimes
referred to as orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic doctors focus on treating
musculoskeletal issues.
As such,
their mission is three-fold. First, they diagnose and treat conditions
affecting the musculoskeletal system. These conditions include back pain, bone
fractures, muscle strains, sprains, tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, and so on.
Second,
they rehabilitate, meaning they help you regain movement, range of motion,
strength, and flexibility. Lastly, they give you strategies to prevent injury
in the future or keep chronic conditions from worsening.
It's
essential not to wait too long to go see a doctor. The longer you wait, the
bigger the risk of being permanently impaired becomes.
Orthopedic Doctors Help Treat Back Pain
While
persistent back pain may seem worrisome, rest assured that the vast majority of
back pain is benign.
However,
if you are feeling some of the signs and symptoms presented here, you might be
dealing with something a little more serious.
If you
present symptoms other than the back pain, in particular in relation to bladder/bowel,
and leg function, it's time to consider consulting with a doctor.
Orthopedic
doctors can treat and rehabilitate back pain, as well as help you form good
habits. Tell your doctors all your symptoms and conditions, even if they don't
seem related to your back pain.
Don't hesitate to browse our Health Care section for more health-related articles.
