How to Know if Your Back Pain is Serious: Signs & Symptoms Guide

Pain can be uncomfortable and detract from your quality of life. If your discomfort lasts for a long time, you might think that taking over-the-counter medicine or getting some rest will solve the problem. To help you make informed decisions, there are a number of factors that might help in determining the degree of back pain. Here are signs that show your back pain is serious.

Prolonged Discomfort

The longest duration of minor back pain is usually a week. If your discomfort doesn’t subside after a few days, it might be time to call a physician. The doctor will conduct thorough tests to know if your back pain is serious and recommend effective solutions to restore comfort. Like other health issues, early detection and intervention go a long way to mitigate further complications and complex treatments.

Pain Extends to Other Body Parts

Another effective way to know when back pain is serious is when the discomfort spreads to other parts of the body. In such cases, consult a professional for a more in-depth assessment, diagnosis, and effective treatment. Shooting pain from your back to the leg is a common symptom and is often caused by a herniated disk. Physicians can leverage various techniques to provide relief and prevent further progress of the condition.

Numbness, Weakness, or Tingling

When back pain is followed by numbness or a tingling sensation, it shows nerve damage or irritation. This is often the case when pain persists after taking over-the-counter medication. Delaying professional intervention can cause permanent damage or disability. Once you experience prolonged discomfort with weakness, schedule a medical checkup immediately.

Pain After an Accident

Car accidents can occur at any time and often cause physical harm to those involved. If you are involved in a collision and want to know if your back pain is serious, seek professional help. Pain management clinics leverage innovative strategies to restore overall well-being and improve the quality of life. Whether you are dealing with a serious fracture or a minor realignment issue, you can rely on professional help.

The Pain Is Worse in Certain Positions

Do you wake up in the middle of the night because of back pain? If you experience sharp pain when you are in certain positions, this can show your lower back pain is serious. This is often caused by systematic problems like fractures, infections, or nerve compression.

If you are wondering how to tell if your back injury is serious, contact us at the River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists. Schedule a consultation today with our expert physicians to access tailored pain management in Shreveport.