Lower back pain affects millions of people – young and old. Moreover, there could be a number of causes of lower back pain. For instance, if you work a job that requires you to work on your feet for long hours, you may experience soreness and discomfort. Also, if you play sports or are extremely active, you may have a degenerative condition that affects the discs and tendons. In addition, you may also have a condition called lumbar arthritis, which affects the joints. However, it can be hard to know if your back pain is caused by something more serious or if your back pain is caused by sleeping on it the wrong way. Here some signs that you should see a doctor about your lower back pain.
First off, if you are over the age of 50, or are a senior, there is a good chance that you should see a doctor about your back pain, because it may be more serious than you think. If you have fallen – even if it was a minor trip – and you are experiencing back pain, you definitely want to see a doctor. The reason for this is simple: when you are of advanced age, there may be more damage than you imagine, so it is important to seek treatment instead of suffering from worsening pain later.
Another sign that you should see a doctor about your lower back pain is when you have a high fever. A fever and back pain should not go together, which is why it is critical to see a doctor. If you have a fever and are experiencing aches and pains at the same time, there may be an infection that is causing the discomfort. A qualified pain management doctor – like Jonathan Aarons M.D. – will take a look at your back and decide whether you need antibiotics or something more invasive to treat the back pain.
Next, numbness is another big sign and it definitely means that you should see a doctor right away. Anytime you feel numbness or a tingling sensation, this is a sign that there is a major nerve that is being pinch. If you are an athlete, or if you have experienced a pulled muscle at the gym, it may be as simple as making adjustments to your back at a chiropractor’s office. However, it may also be a sign that you have a pinched nerve, which could be originating in the discs of your back. No matter what, though, you should see a doctor if you are experiencing numbness.
Lastly, chronic pain may also be a sign that you need to see a doctor. If your back pain progressively gets worse, there is a good chance that there is a big problem. If your back pain is resistant to pain killers, there is a high probability that you have nerve damage or some kind of degenerative disorder. In this case, it is critical to consult with a physician right away, because the pain could continually get worse. The last thing you want is a life fraught with excruciating back pain.