There are a variety of symptoms that indicate a need for an evaluation by a doctor for back pain. The extent of the pain may also be an indicator of the extent of the problem. In some cases, doctors will wait for several weeks to several months before scheduling an examination.
Pain from an injury to the muscles can be felt anywhere along the muscle, including the neck, hips, shoulders, or even the head. This is a more serious type of pain because the muscle itself has been injured. If the damage is extensive, the nerves will be damaged and may lead to a variety of serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, and even paralysis.
Back pain can occur in different areas of the body. A person may experience pain in the lower back or sometimes even in the buttocks. In many cases, a spine injury may be the cause of this pain. If you are experiencing any kind of pain in your back or you know someone that has developed pain in their back, you should see a doctor right away.
Mild back pain does not need to be treated immediately. Over-the-counter medications and chiropractic treatments can help relieve the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend these treatments to reduce or eliminate the pain.
Since pain can be caused by injuries or pressure, the best way to treat the pain is to determine what is causing it. Strain or muscle imbalance can cause pain. Exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the injured area can help prevent future injury.
A visit to the doctor may also show you that there is something more serious than just minor pressure causing the pain. In some cases, the doctor may need to use diagnostic procedures to determine the exact cause of the pain. Certain tests may include x-rays, an MRI, or other imaging techniques. Swelling in the neck or the back of the spine is another indication that something is not right. Sometimes, swelling is an early symptom of another medical condition, but other times it may indicate a neck injury. If you believe that your neck or back has been injured, you should contact your doctor immediately.
There are other causes of back pain, such as osteoporosis, which is an age-related weakening of the bones. Other causes of pain include tumors, blood clots, nerve damage, and kidney or bladder problems. You can find out if there is an underlying medical condition that may be causing the pain before seeking treatment.
Aside from the symptoms described above, a very common complaint among people backaches that start and stop at random times. These frequent complaints can be a sign of serious medical problems, so your doctor will probably run a medical history. This way, they can diagnose any problems and prescribe the proper treatment.
Your doctor will ask you to lie down on a comfortable flat surface when they examine your back. You may feel a burning sensation in your back or a painful sharp pain. Ask your doctor for any other information that will help them properly assess your back.
Any time you feel pain or discomfort in your back, regardless of its location, it is important to consult with your doctor. Most people do not realize that pain can occur for a variety of reasons, including exercise-induced injuries, a painful fall, or other types of trauma. By understanding the many causes of back pain, you can learn how to avoid further injury or identify problems that need immediate attention.
