4 Back Pain Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

When you have back pain, nothing is easy. Getting dressed, walking the dog, or playing with the kids may seem impossible with every painful motion. While most symptoms of back pain aren’t serious, some warrant an immediate evaluation.

Dr. Steven J. Svabek offers back pain evaluations at his office in Coral Springs, Florida. He’s an experienced orthopedic surgeon who treats SI joint dysfunction and performs spine surgery to help his patients find relief from severe back pain.

What causes back pain?

Most people experience back pain at some point. It may appear suddenly after a strenuous workout or gradually after years of wear-and-tear on the spine. Symptoms range from minor annoyance to severe pain that limits daily activities. 

Causes of back pain include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle strain or ligament sprain
• Bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Compression fractures
• Scoliosis

The pain from these conditions can be sharp, dull, or aching; in some cases, it radiates into the legs or hips. Treatment depends on the cause: Simple injuries usually require only home care and conservative treatment, while more severe injuries may warrant surgery.

Four symptoms to never ignore

Back pain can be frustrating, particularly when it lingers, but the symptoms typically aren’t serious. However, a few suggest that something more than a muscle strain is at work. Don’t ignore any of the following back pain symptoms:

1. Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling in the back or legs is often a sign of a compromised nerve, which generally doesn’t improve with home care. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica can all compress nerves and cause chronic back pain.

2. Weakness in the legs

Weakness in one or both legs can indicate spinal cord compression or nerve damage. Walking can become challenging, and you may need immediate medical care to alleviate the pain.

3. Pain that persists despite treatment

Back pain that continues despite conservative treatment warrants a trip to our office. Sprains and strains usually heal on their own; more serious injuries persist despite home care.

4. Pain after a traumatic injury

Traumatic injuries, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury, can lead to back pain and need professional treatment. These injuries can cause fractures or other issues that you shouldn’t ignore, no matter how mild the symptoms.

When to seek help for back pain

Experiencing pain anywhere near your spine is scary — seek help if you’re at all worried about your back pain. 

Seek emergency treatment for back pain that causes saddle anesthesia (numbness in or around the buttocks) or loss of bowel or bladder control. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition called cauda equina, which requires immediate medical attention. 

Other symptoms that warrant treatment include:

• Pain with a fever
• Pain after a traumatic injury
• Symptoms like weakness or tingling
• Unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty moving or extreme stiffness

At your appointment, Dr. Svabek evaluates your symptoms and orders imaging studies to see what’s going on in your spine. He recommends treatment based on the cause of symptoms.

Most people respond well to conservative measures, such as physical therapy, medications, and stretching. More severe issues may require steroid injections or surgery to eliminate the problem that’s causing long-term discomfort.

Don’t let back pain rule your life. Call the office of Steven J. Svabek, DO, PA, or request an appointment online today to learn more about our advanced treatment options.