While we all might experience back pain sometimes, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Knowing when to call a medical professional for your back pain is important for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Keep reading to learn about the five signs that it is time to seek medical advice.

Back Pain Lasts More than Three Months

Long-term back pain may be an indicator of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as degenerative disc disease. This is a condition where the discs between your spinal vertebrae wear out, causing pain and discomfort. Other causes of long-term back pain include herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

If your back pain lasts for more than three months, a medical professional can help diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and determine the best course of treatment.

Radiating Pain

Radiating pain is a type of pain that occurs when the discomfort in your back travels to other areas of your body, such as your legs, arms, or neck. Radiating pain can feel like a sharp or burning sensation, and it can also be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the affected areas. This could be an indication of low back strains, sprains, or sciatica, which is pain affecting the sciatic nerve—a large nerve extending from your lower back down the back of each leg.

Limited Range of Motion

If you find yourself unable to move or twist and turn your back as freely as you used to, this is a clear indication that you should seek medical attention for your back pain. A limited range of motion can be a sign of osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of cartilage in joints that can occur in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine.

If you notice that your movements have become stiff or painful and that even simple tasks like bending down or reaching up are causing you discomfort, don't ignore these signs. Your doctor will perform an assessment of your back, potentially followed by imaging tests, to determine the root of your issue and advise you on the best course of action.

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes like exercise and stretching can be prescribed to alleviate the pain and improve the range of motion. However, in other cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying issue and relieve the symptoms.

Regardless of the cause, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for your limited range of motion. Don't let back pain dictate your daily life; seek help as soon as you notice any changes in your range of motion.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, this is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of spinal tumors, lumbar spinal stenosis, which causes compression of the nerves in the lower back, or cauda equina syndrome, which could cause permanent paralysis if left untreated. 

In addition to the loss of bladder and bowel control, other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can include severe low back pain, leg pain, numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet, and weakness in the legs. Treatment for cauda equina syndrome typically involves surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves and prevent further damage. 

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you have been losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, this could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Unintentional weight loss could indicate an infection or a tumor that's affecting your spine. The weight loss may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or fatigue. Please do not ignore these symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

At Arkansas Spine and Pain, our experts will make sure to find the cause of your back pain and work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual condition. The treatment could include a combination of rest, exercise, rehabilitation, and medication. Our focus is on providing you with compassionate, patient-focused healing. We want you to get back to enjoying your life to the fullest as fast as possible. Contact us today!