According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Due to how common and widespread back pain is, many sufferers often attribute their pain to normal aches or as a normal part of aging. Often times, people don’t consult a physician until the pain becomes debilitating. But, before you write off your back pain as “normal,” here are five back pain symptoms you should never ignore:
1. Continuous pain
Continuous pain in your back that interferes with daily activities including work and sleep, should never be ignored. When this pain doesn’t go away on its own or start to subside after a week of home treatment, get checked out by a medical professional. You should never ignore pain that radiates beyond your back, such as pain that shoots down your arm or leg.
2. Fever or other signs of infection
You may think that a minor backache isn’t a big deal, but when your back pain is accompanied by a fever or other signs of infection, such as a headache or chills, something larger is going on. When left untreated, infections can worsen quickly and even become life-threatening should the infection enter your bloodstream.
3. Unexplained weight loss
Most people would be thrilled at the idea of losing weight without trying. But, if you’ve experienced unexplained weight loss and have back pain, it could be a signal of a more serious condition. This especially true if you also have pain in the abdomen. Seek prompt medical attention if you have this combination of symptoms to rule out dangerous disease. If your back and abdominal pain are also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, you should seek emergency medical care by going to the nearest emergency room or calling 911.
4. Weakness, numbness or tingling
Back discomfort accompanied by weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs signifies a medical condition that should be evaluated by a doctor. These are signs that your spinal cord has been affected such as a pinched or damaged nerve.
5. Problems with urination or bowel movements
If you’re having problems with bowel movements or urination along with back pain, discuss your symptoms with a medical professional. This includes any pain when using the restroom or changes in frequency. Bowel obstructions, bladder infections, and kidney stones, infections or disease, are some of the conditions that are commonly associated with low back pain.
Getting Help for Your Back Pain
It’s important to listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Pain is your body’s way of getting your attention that something is wrong. What you assume to be minor back pain can be a sign of a more serious injury or underlying medical condition.
Dr. Nael Shanti of Cary Orthopaedics Spine Center is one of the leading spine surgeons in the region and specializes in state-of-the-art procedures using leading-edge technology. To schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations throughout the Triangle, call (919) 297-0000.