Back pain may occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it is not serious and it goes away in a short time. However, there are other cases which require a visit to a specialist. Dr. Pablo Clavel explains what signs can tell you that your back pain may be serious.
In most cases, back pain is temporary and will disappear after a short time without needing to see a doctor. Common causes of back pain of this type are overexertion, a blow to your back, or using an awkward posture while sleeping or carrying out a normal day-to-day activity. In these cases, the pain usually goes away with rest or pain relief medication.
Unfortunately, however, there are times when back pain is not temporary, but is due to a condition that should be evaluated by a specialist. Dr. Pablo Clavel, a neurosurgeon with more than 20 years of experience, talks here about the signs to watch for.
Signs that back pain should be checked by a specialist
We recommend that you consult a specialist if your back pain has appeared recently and any of the following apply:
- Intense pain: the pain is very strong, does not go away when you change positions, and does not remit with pain relievers.
- Long-lasting pain: the pain does not improve after 7 days of conservative management with medication and rest.
- Location of pain: if the pain radiates from the lumbar or cervical spine area to the legs or arms.
- Other symptoms: if you notice other symptoms in addition to your back pain, such as weakness, loss of sensation, muscle spasms, difficulty moving, fever or sudden weight loss, among others.
Signs indicating that your back pain may be serious
In addition to the points listed above, there are other signs that can help us know if the pain requires urgent medical attention.
- The pain is very intense.
- It is difficult to maintain a steady standing position.
- The pain appears with sudden loss of strength in the lower extremities.
- Difficulty urinating or controlling the sphincters.
- Loss of feeling in the genitals, anus, or inner thigh.
What pathologies can cause back pain?
The truth is that there are many pathologies that can cause back pain. If we focus on those that affect the spine, the following are some of the most common:
Disc herniation
A herniation occurs when an intervertebral disc ruptures at some point and some of its contents are expelled. It can press on a cervical or lumbar nerve and cause pain, weakness, or a tingling sensation. Depending on the location of the hernia, these symptoms can radiate to either the arms or legs. Depending on the state of the herniated disc, treatment can be conservative or surgical.
If the patient’s case requires surgery, at Instituto Clavel we always choose minimally invasive techniques so that recovery is faster. One of the most recommended options is disc replacement surgery (ADR), in which we remove the degenerated disc and replace it with a prosthesis that mimics a healthy natural disc. In this way, the mobility of the spine is preserved.
You can find out more about disc replacement surgery here:
Lumbar canal stenosis
Lumbar canal stenosis is a pathology in which the lumbar vertebral canal, through which the nerve roots pass to the lower extremities, becomes too narrow. In most cases, this occurs as a result of a degenerative process, because with the passage of time, the bone and ligament tissues grow, causing the canal to become narrower.
The most common symptoms are back pain, leg pain, and numbness or tingling. In severe cases, narrowing of the canal can cause incontinence by compressing nerve structures that affect the bowels or bladder.
Find out more about lumbar canal stenosis and its treatment
Facet joint syndrome
The facet joints, which are located in the posterior area of the vertebrae, can also degenerate with the passage of time. Symptoms do not usually occur in the initial stages of degeneration, so by the time symptoms do appear, the facet joints have usually undergone significant changes.
The most common symptoms are pain, a feeling of stiffness, and difficulty in making movements. The pain usually increases when standing, or when lifting something heavy, and can radiate from the lower back to the buttocks and the back of the thighs. When it occurs in the cervical spine, it can radiate to the nape of the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Treatment for this syndrome usually begins with conservative options such as physical therapy, but if it does not improve the specialist may recommend a treatment for pain such as radiofrequency, or surgery.
Although these are some of the most common spinal pathologies, there are many others, so it is necessary to see a specialist to accurately determine the source of the pain, and to know what the most appropriate treatment plan may be. Therefore, if you experience back pain that does not improve in a short time and it is accompanied by any of the signs discussed here by Dr. Clavel, it is best to make an appointment to see your doctor.
Do you have any questions? At Instituto Clavel, we’re here to help!
Categories: Spine treatments, Spine pathologies, Back pain