Signs You Need Help For Your Back Pain

Orland Park, United States – October 19, 2022 / Illinois Back Institute Orland /

5 Signs Your Back Pain Might Be An Emergency

Did you know that nearly 65 million Americans suffer from some form of back pain, while around 8% or 16 million of them suffer from chronic back pain? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), there are three types of back pain: acute back pain, subacute back pain, and chronic back pain. Acute pain is the most common type of back pain and lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Subacute pain is defined as lasting between four and twelve weeks, while chronic pain lasts for more than twelve weeks.

While most back pain is not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medication and rest, there are some instances where back pain can be a sign of a more serious condition. In this article, Illinois Back Institute, the leading provider of non-surgical back pain relief in Orland Park, IL, discusses five signs that your back pain might be an emergency. If you experience any of the following five signs, it is important to seek medical attention right away as they could be indicative of a more serious health problem.

Severe, Sudden Onset Of Pain

If you experience a severe, sudden onset of pain, it could be due to a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. This can place pressure on the spinal cord that travels through the spine, as well as the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. This can lead to painful muscle spasms, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Delaying treatment for a herniated disc will only make the pain worse and can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Pain That Radiates Down Your Leg

If your back pain radiates down your leg, it could be indicative of a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure on a nerve that causes it to become irritated or inflamed. This can lead to sharp pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Sciatica, in particular, is a type of nerve pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs. Sciatica can be caused by several reasons from poor posture to a herniated disc – and is typically worse when sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Chronic Pain

If you have been dealing with chronic low back pain for more than 12 weeks, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While there are many possible causes of chronic back pain, some of the more common include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Treatment for chronic back pain will vary depending on the underlying cause but may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDS), physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or surgery.

Loss Of Bowel Or Bladder Control

If you experience a loss of bowel or bladder control, it is a sign of a serious condition and you should seek medical attention immediately. Weak stomach muscles, a spine injury, or a slipped disc can all lead to loss of bowel or bladder control. These symptoms, along with back pain, could be indicative of cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the base of the spine become compressed.

Difficulty Walking Or Standing Up Straight

If you have difficulty walking or standing up straight, it may be caused by a spine fracture. A spine fracture can occur due to a fall, car accident, or another type of trauma. A spine fracture can also occur in people with osteoporosis, as the bones become weak and brittle. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may include wearing a back brace, pain medication, or surgery.

Don’t Wait Before It’s Too Late – Seek Medical Attention For Your Back Pain Right Away

If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing. These symptoms can give you clues as to whether your back pain is serious and requires medical attention. While muscle relaxants and pain medication can help to block pain signals and relieve muscle tension and muscle weakness, spine pain is a complex problem that often requires the help of a physical therapist.

The spine specialists at Illinois Back Institute use the most advanced and minimally invasive technology to help their patients in Orland Park, IL find long-term back pain relief. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact Illinois Back Institute today at (833) 833-6770 for a free initial consultation.

Contact Information:

Illinois Back Institute Orland

11540 W 183rd St
Orland Park, IL 60467
United States

Stella Zaimi
(833) 833-6770
https://illinoisbackpain.com/