Back pain is something most people experience at some point in their lives. While it’s often nothing to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious issue.
In these cases, knowing when to manage back pain at home and when to seek help from a specialist can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll discuss common causes of back pain, warning signs that it’s time to see a doctor, and how to prepare for your appointment.
What Causes Back Pain?
Whether you’ve strained your back by picking up a heavy package or you’ve had a flare-up of a chronic condition, back pain happens for all kinds of reasons. According to Dr. Claflin, some of the most common causes include the following:
- Everyday Strain: Sitting for too long, bad posture, or lifting something the wrong way can strain your back muscles.
- Injuries: Things like car accidents, sports injuries, or sudden awkward movements can lead to back pain.
- Health Problems: Conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, or scoliosis often cause ongoing back pain.
Knowing what’s behind your back pain can help you figure out the best next steps. If simple fixes don’t help or the pain gets worse, it might be time to see a specialist (more on that below).
When Can You Manage Back Pain at Home?
Sometimes, back pain is minor and goes away with a little TLC. Dr. Brandon Claflin states that resting, using a heating pad or ice pack, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help you feel more comfortable. Gentle exercises, like light stretching or walking, can also make a big difference.
However, it’s possible that back pain could be a sign of something more serious. That’s when it’s a good idea to get checked out by a professional.
5 Signs It’s Time To See a Back Pain Specialist
While some back pain can be handled at home, certain signs mean it’s time to see a specialist. These warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, as they might indicate a more serious problem.
Dr. Claflin of Oklahoma warns about the following signs of back pain:
- Pain That Won’t Go Away: If your back pain lasts more than a few weeks and doesn’t improve with rest or pain relievers recommended by your physician, it’s time to seek help. Chronic pain could be a sign of an underlying condition.
- Severe or Debilitating Pain: Intense pain that stops you from moving or functioning normally is a red flag that requires professional attention.
- Pain With Numbness or Weakness: If you experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs, it could mean there’s a nerve involved, such as a herniated disc or sciatica.
- Pain After an Injury: If you have back pain following a fall, car accident, or sports injury, rule out fractures or other serious issues.
- Unexplained Symptoms: Sudden weight loss, fever, or other unusual symptoms, along with back pain, might point to an infection or other serious condition.
Why Should You Work With a Back Pain Specialist?
Visiting a back pain specialist can make a big difference if your pain is chronic or won’t go away. They can figure out exactly what’s causing the problem and recommend the best treatments for you. This might include physical therapy, medications, or special procedures to help with pain.
By getting the right guidance early, you can hopefully avoid bigger problems down the road. A specialist’s advice can help get you back to feeling like yourself faster, so you can move around more easily and enjoy everyday life again.
How To Prepare for Your First Appointment
To get the most out of a visit to a back pain specialist, it helps to be prepared. Dr. Claflin suggests writing down when the pain started, what makes it worse or better, and how bad it feels. Bring a list of any treatments you’ve already tried, like stretches or medications, and whether they worked.
J down questions, like what might be causing your pain or what treatment options are available. Being ready can make the appointment smoother and help you and your doctor create a plan to feel better.
The Bottom Line
Managing back pain can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to know the difference between mild pain and symptoms of a bigger problem. If your pain lasts more than a week or two, gets severe, comes with numbness or tingling, shows up after an injury, or comes with other unexplained symptoms, it’s time to see a professional.
