Whether you have lower back that is piercing and intermittent or achy and constant, you are likely wondering if your symptoms are a cause for concern. Our Specialists Max W. Cohen, MD, FAAOS, Thomas R. Saullo, MD, and Ruben Torrealba, MD, can help relieve the pain in the lower back with a variety of non-operative and operative treatments.
What classifies as “serious back pain”?
Serious back pain is best described as back pain that requires a visit to a doctor. Just because you slept on it wrong, doesn’t mean it’s serious, unless it is it occurring quite frequently. The severity of your symptoms is not the only indicator as to whether your lower back pain is serious. For example, pain from a pulled lower back muscle can be intense, but it will typically subside after a few days of basic at-home care.
On the other side, lumbar degenerative disc disease can cause a moderate, dull ache in the lower back—this kind of pain may not be intense, but it may get worse over time without proper treatment from a doctor. In these cases, a physician at Spine & Scoliosis Specialists can recommend a long-term treatment plan.
When your lower back pain becomes serious
Suggestively, if your back pain does not subside within 1 to 2 weeks, you should visit your physician. A doctor can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
The physician will take a look at your symptoms and possible underlying conditions that can be causing them.
Does your back pain require emergency medical attention?
Sometimes back pain may be accompanied by other troubling symptoms, such as:
- Increasing weakness in your legs
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Severe stomach pain
- High fever
If you have questions as to if your back pain is serious contact our Spine & Scoliosis Specialists at (336) 333-6306 or request an appointment today.