Back pain is a common problem most people face at some point throughout their lives. While not always a concern, when the pain is persistent and comes with other symptoms, it might be time to see a doctor. A medical professional can assess your symptoms, diagnose the problem and create an effective treatment plan for your condition.

Our article will discuss when to see an orthopedic doctor for back pain and how you can find relief. 

Causes of Back Pain 

Back pain is often caused by straining or overusing muscles and can usually go away without medical attention. In other cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious issue, such as arthritis, disc problems or even underlying medical conditions. 

Common causes of back pain can include:

• Strains, sprains and injuries: Falls and sports injuries can lead to fractures, strains and sprains, resulting in back pain.
• Overusing muscles: Consistently overusing your back muscles, such as from a job that requires heavy lifting, can lead to back pain. Sudden movements can also strain your back muscles.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures and back pain.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can cause pain in your back through joint inflammation. 
• Underlying medical conditions: Kidney stones, infections, and certain conditions like endometriosis can manifest as back pain. 

Pain from a strain or overusing your muscles will usually go away on its own, and you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce it in the meantime.

Red Flag Symptoms: When to Go to the Doctor for Back Pain 

It might be time to see your doctor if your back pain is persistent, intense or comes with additional symptoms. Schedule an appointment if your pain does not improve after a week of home treatment. Here is a breakdown of the warning signs to look out for:

Pain Has Persisted for More Than a Week 

You will want to know the difference between an occasional issue from a temporary strain that can be managed with rest, and lingering pain that continues for weeks. Persistent discomfort that will not subside is a big enough reason to see your orthopedic doctor. Depending on the type of pain you are having, a medical professional will perform tests to get to the root of the issue. 

Pain Extends to Other Parts of Your Body

If the pain from your back is traveling to other parts of your body, such as down one or both legs, call a doctor. This could be a sign of a pinched nerve, a damaged disc in your spine or even sciatica. When you have any kind of intense pain that spreads to other areas of the body or affects your everyday life or sleep, it’s worth talking to a medical professional. The sooner you address it, the sooner you may find relief and prevent complications.

You Experience Numbness, Weakness or Tingling

Back pain that comes with a feeling of numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or back could be a sign of nerve irritation or damage. It could also indicate a herniated disc or another condition that, if left untreated, could lead to nerve damage. Call a doctor if you have any of these sensory symptoms or your pain continues after taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

You Have Unexplained Weight Loss

If you notice that you have lost a lot of weight recently that can’t be explained by diet or lifestyle changes, reach out to your doctor. Any back pain that comes with sudden weight loss is typically a red flag. Your doctor might be able to determine what is causing your weight changes and how it is connected to your back pain.

When to Be Concerned About Upper Back Pain — Emergency Symptoms

Here is when to see a doctor if you have upper back pain or pain anywhere on the back:

• Your back pain occurs after physical trauma, like a bad fall or car crash
• Your back pain comes with bowel or bladder control issues
• Your back pain occurs alongside a fever

These emergency back pain symptoms should be addressed right away. 

Treatment Options and Prevention Strategies 

Doctors might address your back pain with a combination of treatment options and prevention strategies. Physical therapy, pain relievers, massage and acupuncture are some conservative approaches that can help. In rare cases, you might need surgery if these treatments are ineffective or if you have nerve compression or another underlying condition. 

• Physical therapy: These exercises strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility to help with back pain. 
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescription pain relievers might help manage pain and inflammation.
• Massage therapy: Massage can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation and reduce pain.
• Epidural injections: If the other treatments do not improve your symptoms, doctors could provide epidural injections, which help treat pain that radiates from the spine into the limbs. 

To prevent future back pain, try to practice good posture, strengthen your core muscles, maintain a healthy weight and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury or strain.

Diagnosing Back Pain

Doctors you see for back pain can include a primary care physician or a specialist like an orthopedist. At Fondren Orthopedic Group, we offer cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic services to address back pain. Here is what the typical diagnostic process looks like:

• Evaluation: Doctors will start by gathering a full medical history of your back problems. They will ask how long you have been experiencing pain, when it started, its severity and if anything makes the pain better or worse.
• Physical examination: Your provider may perform a detailed physical exam, checking for tenderness, spine range of motion, strength in your arms and legs, sensations and reflexes.
• Imaging studies: Depending on your symptoms, they might perform tests and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, to determine the source of your pain or rule out possible causes.

Your doctor will use this information to figure out the origin of your back pain and recommend the right treatments. 

Schedule an Evaluation With Fondren Orthopedic Group 

When you are experiencing intense and constant back pain that goes on for longer than a week, reach out to a medical professional for help. At Fondren Orthopedic Group, our specialists provide a patient-centered approach, and we will create an individualized care plan to address your pain and get you back to your everyday routine. We offer a range of solutions, from conservative nonsurgical treatments to minimally invasive surgery techniques, to help you find relief. 

Experience the difference an experienced team and specialized orthopedic care can make. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.