If you’re among the 8% of adults with chronic back pain, we don’t need to tell you how much it can impact your life. Pain is especially problematic if you have a spinal condition like osteoporosis, scoliosis, or deformities due to injuries.
Luckily, there is hope for relief. A spine surgeon can perform a procedure to stop your discomfort from getting in the way of your daily activities. Read on to learn some signs that you should make an appointment with a spine doctor soon.
1. Your Spine Has a Deformity
Spinal deformities are relatively common, especially scoliosis. About 2-3% of the population suffers from sideways curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can range from mild to severe and can impact mobility, flexibility, and daily life.
Scoliosis is a common example of a spinal deformity. There are other conditions like kyphosis (rounding of the back) and osteoporosis (brittle bones within the spine). Regardless of your condition, you should see a spine doctor to resolve the problem.
Measures like physical therapy and back braces may be helpful in the early stages of these deformities, and you can talk to the doctor about them. However, surgery is usually the best way to get adequate relief for those in the later stages.
2. You’ve Been Injured in an Accident
Many patients with spinal issues were simply born with them. However, others got them after being injured in a car crash, fall, or similar accident. This is problematic because you don’t have much time to make decisions after a sudden injury.
You will need to quickly determine the best course of action and act on this snap decision. An orthopedic spine surgeon can examine your back injury and recommend fast and accurate treatment.
In some cases, spinal surgery can be the best option for those looking to return to everyday life ASAP. It also can lessen the length of your spine pain and prevent further nerve damage from taking place over time.
3. You’re in Pain More Often Than Not
Many people with spinal problems experience discomfort and pain regularly. In fact, this pain is a round-the-clock issue for many with scoliosis or accident-related injuries. If you’re regularly experiencing back pain and want fast relief, a spine doctor can help.
This is true even if you’re unsure of the cause of the pain. Some people without spinal abnormalities or injuries also experience frequent discomfort. Seeing a professional can help you to rule out serious problems.
4. Your Pain Stops You From Doing Things
If your back pain stops you from living your daily life, it’s even more critical that you make an appointment with a back doctor. They can examine your back, determine the cause of your pain, and recommend a minimally-invasive procedure that can help you feel your best.
If you’re missing work, this is an obvious sign that you must take action. However, you don’t want to get to this point, so you should see a doctor the second that you realize back pain is inhibiting your daily activities.
Whether you’re struggling to exercise, can’t walk as fast as you used to, struggle with shopping and carrying objects, or simply struggle to get out of bed in the morning, a spinal surgeon can help.
5. You’re Experiencing Numbness and Tingling
Nerve problems aren’t something to play around with. Nerve damage is fairly common for those whose spine was injured in an accident.
It’s usually noticeable because you’ll experience numbness in your back, legs, and/or feet. Sometimes you will also experience sharp nerve pain that feels like tingling pins and needles in these areas. In some situations, you also will contend with bladder and bowel incontinence.
Any of these signs can point to nerve damage after an accident, requiring an immediate visit to a specialist. Consider making an emergency appointment in these situations. If you have sustained nerve damage, it can lead to permanent disability if left untreated.
6. You’re Less Mobile or Flexible Than Before
Regardless of whether you were injured in an accident or simply have pre-existing back problems, your mobility can eventually become limited. Some loss of flexibility is to be expected with age. Those with back problems can lose mobility quickly, which is abnormal and can impact their quality of life.
If you’re noticing rapid changes to your mobility, it’s vital that you see a doctor so they can identify the problem. You may simply need to do some exercises or physical therapy to improve it. Only some situations will require surgery, which is an excellent option for speedy treatment.
7. Your Progressive Condition Is Worsening
Many people with progressive conditions (like osteoporosis or stenosis) are given non-surgical treatments before they need to see an orthopedic spine surgeon. Some common treatments include physical therapy, stretches, and medication.
However, this will not be enough to relieve back pain in some cases. It is also often insufficient for those looking to stop progressive conditions from worsening. If your condition is not improving your back pain, it’s time to see a professional to discuss surgery.
Make sure that you discuss both current and future treatments with your specialist. You likely will need to see them regularly to monitor your condition. Post-surgery check-ups will also be required to ensure that surgical treatments are working.
See a Spine Surgeon Today
While many consider seeing a spine surgeon a last resort, it’s best to make an appointment sooner rather than later. A professional can tell you how severe your problem is, recommend treatments, and provide quick solutions to your long-term problem.
The Advanced Spine Center is committed to helping you identify and resolve back pain and abnormalities. Our experts use the most recent technology to create an individualized recovery plan that fits your needs. Contact us to discuss making an appointment now.