According to recent studies, lower back pain is one of the most common medically-attested causes of physical disability worldwide. In the United States alone, half of the workforce usually experience back pain at some point in their lives. While it seems ordinary, there are circumstances in which you shouldn’t ignore the pain. So when should you see a spine doctor in CT if you have back pain? Read on to learn more.
Chronic Back Pain
There are a few different ways to identify if you have chronic pain. First, acute pain is short-term and only lasts a few days. Most of the time, the pain will go away, and no other steps are needed to help the person feel better.
The following kind of pain is chronic pain; this type of pain lasts for 12 weeks or more and doesn’t go away even after an injury or other cause has been treated. These are the most common causes of back pain and affect about 20% of people with lower back pain each year.
Make an appointment with a reputable spine doctor near you immediately if you’ve been dealing with chronic pain.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It might be time to contact a spine specialist if you frequently find yourself racing to the bathroom or spending hours in the comfort room. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and nerve injury are some of the conditions that can impact the back, bowel, and bladder.
Lower back problems or nerve damage can result from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can also create excessive stool and abdominal discomfort. Call one of the spine doctors in CT if you’re experiencing IBS and lower back pain simultaneously.
Leg Pain
A clear indication that you need to consult a professional is discomfort or tingling in the feet or legs, along with back pain. Tingling or weakness in the legs, hip, or foot might result from stress on the nerves or spine. For example, a herniated spinal disk may occasionally be pressing on the ischiatic nerve, which obstructs the control of the leg muscles.
Cervical radiculopathy could be a problem as well. This happens when a nerve close to the cervical vertebrae is crushed. The extremities may experience discomfort or numbness as a result. These problems can frequently be solved with medical treatment. However, in some circumstances, surgery can be necessary.
Fever
Our body temperatures change naturally, and we occasionally all catch “bugs.” So don’t worry, but keep an eye on the situation if you have a fever and acute pain in your lumbar or thoracic spine. You likely have the flu or another infection developed after a muscular strain. Contact a spine specialist immediately if you’re simultaneously experiencing severe back pain and intense fever.
Unintentional Weight Loss
You’ve been working out regularly and have reduced your excess “handles,” but now your back hurts. It’s possible that your newfound weight is to blame for this. If you drastically reduce your caloric intake, you may starve your body of vital nutrients. As a result, you can have reduced bone density and spine misalignment.
Seek medical attention for back pain if you have recently dropped weight and are experiencing back discomfort.
Orthopedic Spine Specialist vs. Chiropractors
About 80% of Americans have back pain, and specialists are sometimes the only ones who can figure out why.
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the body’s muscles and bones. On the other hand, spine specialists only deal with diseases and problems that affect the spine.
These professionals are trained to diagnose conditions that affect or start in the spine and treat them through a surgical procedure or other means. Because of this, an orthopedic spine specialist is often referred to as a spine surgeon.
Orthopedists know a lot about their field. They go to school for at least eight years to learn everything about their profession. Some of these years are spent in clinical fields, where future surgeons gain knowledge even more through residencies and specialized fellowships.
If you’ve ever searched for a “spine doctor near me,” you’ll want to ensure that you find a great back doctor. People often wonder how a specialist is different from a chiropractor. Chiropractors adjust the spine to help people feel better, but only doctors can do surgeries.
Who To Call for Back Pain Problems in Connecticut?
Contact Spine Specialist Litchfield County Ortho if you’ve been experiencing any of the above-mentioned conditions. We are the most reliable team of spine doctors in CT, specializing in conditions related to the spine. Call us today to get your body back to its excellent condition.