If you have been thinking about visiting a doctor to take care of that constant back pain, then you are not alone. Many people today have had to live with consistent pain and discomfort, especially in the back and neck regions. With a broad and confusing array of back pain symptoms and an equal or more number of treatment options, the scenario becomes intimidating and overwhelming.At this point, most people do not know whether to visit their regular primary care doctor, a chiropractor, a spine specialist, or a physical therapist.
Patients with constant and back painmight find relief from several options.Somepatients experiencing back pain might need pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antispasmodics to find a semblance of comfort from pain.
It is not always clear when to consult a spine surgeon. Though these specialists perform spinal surgery, surgery is not always the result for all patients. Some cases might result in medical treatment.
In most cases, your regular doctor can recommend that you see a spine surgeon after diagnosis. Contact our office if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Unrelenting and constant pain that radiatesdown your arms and legs
- Back pain that is accompanied by weight loss, night sweats, fever, and chills
- Loss of mobility and heightened weakness in a limb that was previously functioning well
- Inability to control bladder or bowel functions (Urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence)
- Back pain that refuses to go away even after more than one week of steroids and anti-inflammatory medications
- Challenges in controlling one or both feet
There are other scenarios where it is imperative to consult a spine surgery specialist immediately. This includes back pain resulting from considerable trauma such as a car accident or a severe fall.In a nutshell, if you find daily functioning to be a real challenge and the degree of back pain is unbearable, it is in your best interest to see aspine surgeon.Spine Center of Texas now has offices in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Seguin.
