It is quite normal to experience back pain at some point in life. Mostly, back pain gets better within a couple of days if it is due to muscle spasm or strain. Few over-the-counter medicines, little heat to the affected area and you are good to go. Things get problematic when you find out that it is not regular back pain. In what follows, we will explain 4 symptoms that if experienced, should be consulted with a doctor.
You might also want to read: Best doctor for back pain in Los Angeles
It’s taking more time than it should
Normal back pain does not take more than 10 days to go away. However, if it is taking more than 10 days, there is probably something wrong. If you feel pain in your back in specific postures, no matter how long you rest, also shows that could be a serious problem. Persistent back pain could be a sign of underlying injury to the spine. In such a case, you must get it checked by a doctor. The doctor will recommend you a scan to ensure that everything is in order.
Pain in other parts
If you feel the pain in your back traveling down to your calf, buttocks, or thigh muscles, get it checked by the doctor right away. Shooting pain in the leg starting from the spine is a major symptom of sciatica. In such a situation, you should seek immediate medical help. Early diagnosis will make full recovery possible without surgery.
Bowel and urination problems
Immediate help must be sought if back pain is accompanied by loss of control of your bowels or urination. As these are early symptoms of the disease Cauda Equina syndrome which normally occurs when the patient has caused damage to his/her lower spine. In this case, the lower spine gets paralyzed and can lead to permanent damage to the nerves if timely treatment is not given.
Numbness and Tingling
If you have been taking over-the-counter medicines and still your back pain would not go away, it is perhaps the time to try something different like seeing a doctor. A sensation of numbness and tingling indicates potential damage to the nerve that if left untreated, can lead to disability.
Looking for a Spine Surgeon in Los Angeles?
Ignoring persistent back pain might not be a good idea as it gets worse over time. We recommend you see Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe at Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery for any issue related to back pain. She provides top-quality healthcare services to her patients suffering from brain and spine diseases. She is one of the top-rated neurosurgeons on platforms like Healthgrades and yelp. You can read about her profile on their website.