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The vast majority of back problems get better on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. There are a few warning signs, however, that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Loss of control of the bowel or bladder, or retention of urine, may indicate potentially dangerous damage to the spine's cauda equina nerves. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves in the low back where the spinal cord ends. Damage to these nerves can be permanent if not treated quickly – within a day or so. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist, or go to an emergency room if necessary.
Weakness or numbness in a leg or arm, especially
if it is severe—and
it is getting worse—also points to nerve damage. This includes "foot
drop," a condition where the muscles of the leg and foot are too weak
to raise the foot up as the individual attempts to walk. Again, nerve
damage associated with these symptoms can be permanent if not treated
immediately. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist.
Any numbness, pain or tingling that radiates into an arm or leg is also
a source for concern and should be seen within a few days by a spine
specialist.
High fever accompanied by back pain, may indicate a possible infection
of the spine and should be seen within 24 hours.
Here's an encouraging back fact: 80% of the time back and neck pain is simply from strain or soft tissue injury. In many of these simple cases of back or neck strain, you will get better with some specialized exercises, rest, some anti-inflammatory medicine and a little Mother Nature. Then there are other cases where you may need to see a doctor, sometimes quickly. Briefly, here are some good rules of thumb to follow with YOUR back or neck:
- Trauma - If you fell down, were in a car accident, or did anything
abrupt that may have fractured your back, definitely go to a spine
specialty clinic within 24 hours.
- Radicular pain - Anytime you have back or neck pain that is radiating
down into your leg or arm, especially if it is getting worse, that
is a danger signal and you probably need to be evaluated by a spine
specialist within 2 to 3 days.
- Persistent pain - If pain limited to the low back or neck area does
not begin to subside after 3 days, with some anti-inflammatories and
some rest, then you probably need to be evaluated by a spine specialist.
For example, if you first noticed back or neck pain on a Monday, and
it's now Thursday and it's not getting better on its own, it's time
to see a spine specialist to find out what is causing your problem.
- Anytime you have loss of control of your bowel or bladder, that is
an EMERGENCY signal that you need to be seen by a spine specialist
THE SAME DAY. If you delay, you could suffer permanent paralysis of
the nerves that control these functions.
- Foot drop - If you notice that your toe is dragging as you walk, this is a DANGER SIGNAL for serious neurological problems. Again, if you delay, you could experience permanent damage. This problem should be seen within 24 hours by a spine specialist.
- Any weakness, numbness or pain that extends below a knee or below an elbow is a serious symptom. Go to a spine center within 2 days.
Need
more information on back and neck pain?
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