You are lying down to relax after a long, productive day and ‘Ouch!’, there it is, a sharp, low back pain that keeps you from unwinding. Considering 619 million people around the world complained about discomfort on their lower back in 2020, it is safe to say that the condition is more than common—especially for those sitting on the computer for hours on end. However, with so many OTC medications, people are tempted to take matters into their own hands instead of consulting with a doctor. Here are the signs that will tell you that you need to take it up with a specialist.
Common Low Back Pain Causes
In order to treat and heal your back discomfort, it’s important to know what factors are playing a role in it. In many cases, there could be several involved aspects. Some of the most common are:
- Poor posture
- Long periods of sitting
- Injured nerve, disc, or muscle
- Improper exercising techniques
- Diseases
- Chronic conditions
- And more
Most of these issues require medical attention. In the meantime, there are many routine changes you could try to relieve low back pain and experience quicker alleviation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In many cases, discomfort on your lower back can be managed at home with the right lifestyle improvements. Nonetheless, this affliction could be a symptom of a more complicated problem. There are at least four clear indications your lumbar pain should be evaluated by a professional:
Persistent Pain
There are several warning signs when it comes to persistent ache. Consider visiting a doctor as soon as possible if your pain:
- Is not relieved, despite using OTC medication.
- Has been on-and-off for longer than 3 months.
- Has been acute for 72 continuous hours or more.
Sudden Pain
Severe and sudden pain in your lower back is a clear manifestation of something that’s not right, especially after an accident, injury, or bad movement. Even if you didn’t experience immediate pain, you should seek professional help if you start hurting abruptly.
Movement Restriction
Throbbing on your lower back could keep you from doing certain routine movements, such as stretching, squatting, bending over, standing or sitting for long periods, etc. If you can’t make these motions, or if the pain worsens when you do, you should visit your doctor.
Additional Symptoms
There are several added symptoms that could indicate complications in your lumbar region. Be aware of the following:
- Pain spreading to the upper legs
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
Diagnosis and Treatment for Low Back Pain in Webster, Texas
There is a wide variety of available options for understanding and tackling this ailment. Depending on your situation, your doctor may ask for x-rays, MRIs, and/or CT scans. They will also evaluate your medical and family history, routine, etc. From there, you will trace the path to recovery.
Treatment options include but are not limited to:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Prescription medications
- Surgery
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Regenerative medicine
- Lumbar decompression
These techniques will probably be accompanied by other recommendations, such as incorporating exercise into your daily routine, improving your posture, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.
Our Approach at Space City Pain
We know how uncomfortable and incapacitating it can be to live with constant low back pain. While it is often ignored and most people carry on with their lives despite it, there are several ways to address this issue and give you back the relaxation and comfort you deserve.
Our board certified healthcare providers have made Space City Pain a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff excels at providing pain relief to patients. If you are looking to get back to your old self and a pain-free life, book an appointment by calling 281-338-4443 or send us a message online today.
We don’t manage pain, we treat it.