Back Pain? How to Know When It’s Time To See a Doctor

For most of us, back pain has been an unwelcome visitor at least once in our lives. Studies show that 80% of adults will experience back pain. Whether it’s from an injury or illness, back pain can vary from a mild irritation to completely debilitating pain. 

While an ice pack and some rest might work for mild back pain that goes away after a few days, it’s worth knowing when to see a physician. Here are some instances when you may want to get your back pain checked out: 

Your Back Pain Lasts Longer Than a Week 

Back pain can be classified into three categories:

• Acute: Pain lasts for up to four weeks 
• Subacute: Pain lasts between four and 12 weeks 
• Chronic: Pain goes on for more than 12 weeks 

Pain that lasts more than a few weeks could indicate something more serious. According to OKspinepain.com, your physician can ask you a series of questions to better determine the cause of the pain. In some instances, the source of the pain might have been identified, but more tests might be needed to know the extent of the problem. 

The Pain Spreads to Other Parts of Your Body

When back pain is no longer localized, it may indicate an injury to another area. Back pain commonly radiates out to the buttocks, legs, feet, and more.

Your Back Pain is Coupled With Another Symptom 

Back pain on its own may not indicate anything serious, but if other symptoms appear, it could reveal another condition. For instance, if you have back pain and nausea, it could indicate another issue. 

Some of the most common ailments that may present as back pain can include: 

Liver Conditions

Depending on the condition, liver issues might manifest in pain under the ribs, between the shoulder blades, and in the back. Liver pain might also come from gallbladder issues, which often manifests in the upper right abdomen, extending to the right shoulder blade or back (but is not usually generalized back pain).

Kidney Infections

Kidney infections usually cause pain and discomfort in the lower back. The area aches, and the pain can range from discomfort to severe pain. Besides lower back pain (and possible side pain), kidney infections can cause symptoms like high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and painful or frequent urination.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can result in pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and sometimes discomfort in the lower back or perineum. While the prostate is not directly next to the lower spine, inflammation or muscle tension in the pelvic area can lead to referred pain. Referred pain is when pain is felt in a different area than its actual source.

The pelvic region has a complex network of nerves. Consequently, prostate inflammation can lead to pain that presents in other areas, including the lower back, even though the origin of the pain is the prostate. 

You’ve Had an Accident 

Regardless of how small or insignificant an accident may seem, if you experience back pain, it’s important to see your primary care doctor. You may have fractured or injured tissue or nerves, and if left unchecked, it could lead to serious problems later on. 

Causes of Back Pain 

If back pain doesn’t show up immediately after an injury, it might be hard to pinpoint the origin of the pain. Some of the common causes of back pain include: 

• Muscle or Ligament Injuries: Muscles can become overstretched or torn when used in certain ways, such as during sports or other physical activities. They may also get injured if the person is in poor physical condition, thereby placing pressure on the back. 
• Bulging or Ruptured Discs: A bulging or ruptured disc can cause back pain. These injuries can become painful as they start to affect the nerves and soft tissue. Imaging techniques are common methods for diagnosing this condition, especially if the pain is persistent or radiates to other areas.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and ankylosing spondylitis can affect the muscles, tissues, or bones, which can lead to back pain.

If conservative treatments (like rest, ice, or physical therapy) don’t relieve your pain, talk to your doctor about interventional pain management. Aimed at treating chronic pain, this approach includes minimally invasive procedures, such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation. These treatments can help reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve mobility without the need for (or putting off the need for) surgery.

Protect Your Back 

Your back provides support for your torso and protects critical nerves, which are responsible for movement, stability, and structure in your upper body. While not all back pain might be serious, there are some instances when it’s worth seeking out medical help. It may be a good idea to seek medical care if the pain worsens, spreads, or if you experience new symptoms.