Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives, whether that’s because they fell asleep in a strange position or because they have serious medical issues. So when should you seek treatment for back pain? Here are some suggestions that can help you get treatment when you need it:
- When You’ve Been in an Accident
If you experience back pain soon after being in an accident, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor or chiropractor to ensure that you’re only experiencing muscle soreness and not a more serious injury.
- When the Pain Is Radiating
Pain that radiates from the lower back down to the buttocks or legs is one of the most common spinal injury symptoms. You should seek treatment immediately, since you may have a compressed or herniated disk; the sooner you see medical professionals, the more likely it is the problem can be resolved without surgery.
- When Pain Is Combined With Other Symptoms
Back pain can actually be an emergency. If you experience leg weakness, unexplained fever, and loss of bladder or bowel control in conjunction with back pain, you should skip the chiropractor and get immediate medical attention.
- When You Take OTC Medications Constantly
Many people self-treat aching backs with over-the-counter pain medications. But not only will these methods become less effective over time (as the body builds up a tolerance for the drugs), you might be masking a more serious problem. A combination of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy can often allow these pains to be relieved without medication.
- When the Pain Is Chronic or Unexplained
When common medical treatments or simple at-home exercises have been ineffective in relieving chronic back pain, it’s probably time to see a chiropractor. Remember that it’s not normal or healthy to experience constant pain.
Do you have any other suggestions of when patients should seek out treatment for back pain and when it’s OK to try to take care of the pain at home? Did you know that getting back treatment can also relieve headaches, neck pain and foot pain? Join the discussion in the comments.