Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a back doctor. For some, it is a minor inconvenience that fades on its own. But for others, the pain is persistent and debilitating, interfering with daily life.
Knowing when to see a spine specialist is crucial for starting the right course of treatment.
Let us discuss the causes of back pain. We will also explore when to consult a spine specialist and the types of treatments that may be available.
Why Lower Back Pain Happens
Lower back pain can have many causes. The most common reasons include the following.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Injury
Bending, lifting, or twisting incorrectly can easily strain the muscles or ligaments in your lower back. These injuries often heal on their own with rest and proper care.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft tissue between your spinal bones pushes out and irritates nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates to other parts of your body, like your legs.
Spinal Stenosis
This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on nerves in the back. Spinal stenosis often occurs with aging and is a common reason people seek a back specialist.
Sciatica
Pain that shoots down one leg may be caused by sciatica. This results from irritation of the sciatic nerve, often linked to a herniated disc or bone spur.
Arthritis
Arthritis in your spine can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain. For many, this condition progresses with age.
Scoliosis or Spinal Deformities
Irregular curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis, can lead to chronic back discomfort for which seeing a spine specialist might be necessary.
Chronic Conditions
Some people may have chronic lower back pain caused by more serious underlying problems, like infections, fractures, or tumors.
Signs That It Is Time to See a Spine Specialist
If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is best to consult an expert right away.
Persistent Pain that Lasts More Than a Few Weeks
If your back pain does not improve after two to three weeks of at-home care, you should seek help. Chronic pain could indicate an underlying issue, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Pain that Radiates Down the Leg
Pain that travels from your lower back down one or both legs is often a sign of sciatica. Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve and requires specialized treatment.
Numbness, Weakness, or Tingling
If you experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your legs or feet, it could signify nerve involvement. Untreated nerve issues can lead to permanent damage.
Difficulty Standing, Walking, or Sitting
Pain that makes it hard to perform simple activities, such as walking or sitting, may suggest a more serious problem with the spine.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
If you lose control of your bladder or bowels alongside severe lower back pain, this could be a sign of a condition called cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
History of Injury or Trauma
If you recently experienced an injury to your back, such as a fall or car accident, consult a spine specialist to evaluate possible damage to your spinal column.
No Improvement with Current Treatment Efforts
If you have already tried remedies like rest, over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), or physical therapy and have not seen improvement, you should consider getting professional help.
Lower Back Pain Treatment Options
There are various treatments that a spine specialist might recommend depending on the cause and severity of your back pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with you to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They also teach you exercise to prevent future injuries.
Medications
Spine specialists may prescribe pain relievers like naproxen (Aleve) or muscle relaxants to ease severe discomfort. Always follow your back doctor’s instructions when using prescription medications.
Spinal Injections
Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes like improving your posture, practicing yoga, or losing weight can alleviate back pain for some individuals.
Advanced Procedures
If non-invasive methods do not bring relief, surgical options may be needed. Procedures such as decompression surgery, spinal fusion, or disc replacement aim to stabilize the spine and remove damaged tissue.
Back Specialist in Bloomfield, Enfield, & Rocky Hill, CT, and Springfield, MA
If you are searching for lower back treatment in Enfield, CT, look no further! At Advanced Orthopedics New England, we offer exceptional care for patients. Our team of board-certified orthopedic doctors can diagnose and treat a wide variety of spine-related conditions, such as herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
If you are ready for relief, contact Advanced Orthopedics New England today at (860) 728-6740. We also offer urgent orthopedic care services without an appointment.
