Nearly everyone experiences back pain at one point, but there are red flags
that may indicate something serious. Much like a car, certain signs are
not indicative of a freak accident but are instead symptoms of wear and
tear and other issues under the hood. Even if you don’t have back
pain all the time, here are common warning signs, why they may be occurring,
and why you should not ignore them.
-
Pain shooting down your back: While sharp back pain might just be a passing muscle spasm, it could also
be something much more severe, like an infection, a compression fracture, or a
herniated disc.
-
Trouble going to the bathroom: If you’re urinating or going #2 and also feeling back pain, you
might have a condition called cauda equine syndrome. It’s a rare
type of nerve compression that can be fixed with surgery, but first, you
need to get it diagnosed.
-
Rapid and drastic weight loss: Together with back pain, it could be a symptom of cancer. If there is a
history of cancer in your family, you should see a doctor immediately.
-
Pain increases when you sit or lie down: If this has been going on for months, it’s not a good sign and could
be axial back pain. While 90% of these cases resolve themselves on their
own, you may need to get an injection or have surgery, depending on your
situation.
-
Back pain is associated with injury: If you suffered an injury to your back or
neck and have been in pain since you might want to call a health care provider
to see what your options are. You can never be too careful, especially
when you may have sustained a spinal injury.
-
Limbs are tingling: Severe back pain, coupled with tingling limbs can be a sign of an injury
related to your nervous system, such as a herniated disc. If left untreated,
it could lead to compression on your spinal cord, affecting your nerves.
-
Fever: If a fever accompanies your back pain, it could be a sign of a serious
infection, including connective tissue disease or a spinal infection.
If the fever is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, call your doctor as soon
as possible.
If you’re suffering from
back pain, an experienced
chiropractor can work with you to stretch and strengthen the injured area and prevent
further damage from occurring. Contact our
Decatur chiropractors at Georgia Accident Rehab Centers today to book an appointment.
Call (404) 620-4020 or contact us online
today!