As an adult, it may seem that minor inconveniences can lead to aches and pains. From working for a few hours straight on your laptop to sleeping in an awkward position, you are probably familiar with the back pain that you are bound to experience the following day. Hence, a good number of people will choose to self-medicate with over-the-counter pain relief pills and wait for the pain to eventually subside. But while this may work for minor discomfort, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that in some scenarios, the back pain could require medical intervention. Being aware of the signs that should send you to a healthcare professional is critical, as it could be the difference between getting an early diagnosis and treatment or allowing an underlying condition to worsen. To assist you in discerning the difference, here are some of the symptoms that would make a visit to the doctor for back pain management mandatory.
The back pain is not going away
One of the first rules of using over-the-counter medication is you should never rely on these drugs for more than a few days. However, not many people adhere to this rule and, instead, will keep taking the medications for as long as they think they need them and this, in turn, camouflages their need for medical intervention. The problem with this approach is that you could be putting your health at long-term risk since there is an array of medical conditions that lead to chronic back pain. Seeking back pain management will not only relieve this discomfort but will also address the underlying cause. Most commonly, you may find that you require herniated disc treatment, but the doctor could also diagnose you with hairline fractures in the vertebrae caused by osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and so on.
The back pain is accompanied by additional symptoms
Another sign indicative of the need to see a doctor for back pain management immediately is when the discomfort is accompanied by seemingly unrelated symptoms. For example, you may find that each time the back pain develops, you also experience tingling or numbness in your extremities. If this sounds familiar, it may mean that you have an undiagnosed problem with your nervous system that could stem from your spinal column. Failure to seek medical intervention can lead to irreparable nerve damage. Conversely, if the back pain is accompanied by fever, it generally points to an infection such as a bladder infection or a kidney infection. Visiting a doctor is compulsory if you are to receive the correct diagnosis and medication.
For more information on back pain management, contact a doctor near you.
Share7 February 2022
