Dealing with back pain – when should you see a doctor?

Studies show that 8 in 10 persons are
experiencing back pains at least once a year. Most of the times the pain goes
away if they rest. But if you are dealing with back pain for a long period, and
it doesn’t seem to improve you should seek medical care.  Painkillers are effective in most of the
cases, so you should visit the local pharmacy and ask the specialist to
recommend some medications.

Why do you feel discomfort in your back?

Nerve pain, joint pain and muscle pain are
only some of the factors that lead to backaches. There are also times when back
pains can be a symptom of a more serious health problem like cancer, infection
or fracture in the spine. The last conditions are quite rare and they affect
only a very small number of people.

When should you schedule a consultation?

When you first experience back pains you
should apply ice and warm showers and take come standard pain-relieving
medications. It’s advisable to rest for a while, and this doesn’t mean that you
should lay in the bed all day long. You should stay active but avoid actions
that put a strain on your back.

If the aches are severe for multiple weeks,
and you have difficulties in completing your daily activities, you should
consult a doctor. It’s advisable to schedule a check if your back pain is
associated with fever if the trauma is the cause of the discomfort, if you also
experience the loss of bowel or bladder function, if you have started to lose
weight since you’ve started to feel pains. The specialists from https://rollinghillsmedical.com
state that the patients who have a risk of fractures, infection or cancer in
the spine should always be more cautious, and they should address a specialist
the moment they feel back discomfort.

What specialist should you see?

When an injury or strain is the factor that
led to back pains, it’s advisable to see your primary doctor, they can make
further recommendations. Severe pain accompanied by other symptoms like
tingling in the legs is a sign that you should consult a back doctor. A
professional specialised in nonsurgical treatment can check your state and make
a diagnosis. A chiropractor, physiatrist or orthopaedic physician can assess
your state and identify the causes that lead to this health condition.

According to your health state, the expert
may refer to another professional.

What should you expect during your doctor visit?

On your first doctor visit, the specialist
will check your medical history and perform some examinations to determine the
extent of the condition you are experiencing. They will probably check your
reflexes, strength, tenderness, and sensation.

According to the symptoms you are experiencing,
they can also make provocative tests to try to identify what triggers your
discomfort. Sometimes the doctor is ordering CT scans, an MRI and X-rays to
check for hidden triggers. All the details they get during the consult will
help them determine the condition you are suffering from, and the treatment
that will help you.