4 Questions to Ask Back and Spine Pain Treatment Specialist

There are many kinds of doctors that specialize in the treatment of back pain, from chiropractors and physical therapists to orthopedists and anesthesiologists. In general, a pain management specialist is the best professional to see for back pain, especially because they typically have a background in one of the aforementioned professions, particularly anesthesiology.

It may be beneficial to see a doctor for back pain if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in association with back pain:

Bowel & Bladder Problems — If back pain is causing new bowel or bladder problems, including difficulties controlling their function, a back pain specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.

Pain That Travels Down the Legs — Known as radiculopathy, pain can travel down the legs when the spinal nerve root is injured, compressed, or inflamed.

Leg Weakness — Numbness or weakness in the legs, hips or pelvic region that lasts more than a couple of days might be indicative of a serious condition, such as where the nerve sac in the lower spine is compressed.

Difficulty with Everyday Activities — If back pain interferes with the ability to perform everyday activities like walking, chores around the house, and work duties, it may be time to make an appointment with a pain management specialist.

New Sensations in the Legs & Feet — New sensations in the legs and feet, such as tingling, numbness, or a feeling of ‘pins and needles can be cause for concern and should be evaluated by pain management specialist as soon as possible.

Fever with Other Symptoms — A temperature higher than 101°F or other symptoms that occur alongside back pain may indicate a spine infection. While rare, spine infections can develop in the vertebrae, discs, or joints and can cause permanent complications if not addressed in a timely fashion.

Traumatic Injuries — In severe cases, sports injuries, car accidents, or falls can cause the discs inside the spinal column to rupture, resulting in severe pain.

Back pain may be serious if it:

– Follows a fall, impact, or another injury
– Is constant or intense pain
– Spreads down one or both legs
– Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling the legs
– Occurs with swelling or redness on the back
– Occurs with unintended weight loss
– Occurs with bowel or bladder control problems

If back pain is left untreated, it can develop into more serious complications that can negatively impede one’s quality of life. Untreated back pain can have:

Impacts on Daily Living — Long-term pain often causes trouble concentrating or interferes with the ability to perform everyday activities or work duties.

Emotional Effects — Continuous pain can lead to depression and sleep troubles, factors that can also lead to worsening symptoms of back pain, causing a vicious cycle.

Changes in the Brain — Using brain imaging, recent studies have found structural changes in the brains of people with chronic low back pain which can contribute to long-term complications and difficulties treating chronic pain.

At InovoSpine, we are dedicated to providing you with all of your back and spine treatment needs. Our pain management specialists can help you address the underlying cause of your pain for effective and long-term relief. Contact us today to book an appointment for back and spine pain treatment, or visit our clinic. We serve patients from Houston TX, Hedwig Village TX, Meadows Place TX, Missouri City TX, Hunters Creek Village TX, Spring Valley Village TX and surrounding areas.