Introduction
Back pain that occurs lower in the back is extremely frequent. Nearly everyone will have at least one instance of back pain that is acute at one point in their lifetime. Although these episodes can be extremely painful and create a major disruption to one’s life, however, the majority of episodes of low back pain will improve as time passes (about two to twelve days) and with non-surgical treatments.
The pain may appear abruptly or gradually and be anything from slight to sharp, intense pain. In certain people, the pain could be ongoing. The article below will look at when you should see a spine surgeon.
Signs to See a Spine Surgeon
The procedure can correct anatomical issues that cause nerve pinching or spinal instability. If one of these conditions is evident in an imaging examination or the patients’ symptoms match the radiographic and clinical images, surgery for the spine could be recommended.
Suppose there is no clear root cause for a patient’s lower back discomfort (e.g. which can be observed in an MRI scan or routine flexion-extension films in the case of instability CT Myelogram scan or discography).
In that case, Back surgery isn’t an alternative. If non-surgical treatment fails to relieve pain for a patient and discomfort, this isn’t by itself an indication to have spinal surgery. It is also necessary to have an anatomical defect that can identify as the source of the patient’s back discomfort.
Whether or not back surgeries treat lower back pain is nearly always the patient’s decision. Medical attention is urgently required in very rare circumstances like cauda-equina syndrome or abdominal aortic aneurysm.
The spine surgeon must provide the patient with sufficient information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure to help the patient in his decision-making procedure. A spine surgeon is a neurosurgeon spine specialist or an orthopedic surgeon specialized in spinal surgery.
Some important aspects that patients might need to think about before deciding to see an orthopedic surgeon for low back pain are:
- The ability to function with lower back pain. Perhaps more crucial than the degree of lower back pain or leg discomfort is the ability to carry on with everyday activities. If one cannot commute to work, take a trip to the supermarket, and do other things required for daily life, it might be wise to consider spinal surgery earlier instead of later.
- The degree of lower back pain or leg pain. If the pain cannot be relieved with non-surgical treatments and persists for a couple of months or weeks, then it might be an appropriate time to visit an orthopedic surgeon. If the condition is extremely severe (e.g., pain cannot be alleviated by pain medication), It may be beneficial to speak with an orthopedic surgeon earlier.
Another thing to consider is the range of the back procedure. Certain kinds of back surgery are less invasive than others (e.g. microdiscectomy is not invasive and does not alter the anatomy of the spine; however, the majority of surgery for lumbar spine fusion are more in-depth and change how the spinal structure is formed). Read the article to learn more.
When should you see a doctor?
There’s not always a clear cause for lower back pain, and it can heal by itself. Relieving, applying cold or hot therapies, using OTC pain relievers, and gentle stretching can accelerate recovery.
However, it is recommended to consult a physician for extreme low back discomfort. It does not appear to be getting better or is accompanied by other symptoms, like numbness or tingling down the legs.
Patients suffering from lower back pain must seek medical attention immediately when they exhibit any of the symptoms listed below:
- difficulties walking or moving the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel function
- Loss of sensation in the legs
- Very intense pain
A physician can help people identify possible factors that cause lower back pain and then recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Lower back pain is extremely frequent, and there’s often no obvious root. But lower back pain may often be a sign of an underlying problem like an injury, or spinal issue.
Regular exercise, practicing proper posture and maintaining a healthy weight lowers the chance of developing lower back discomfort.
It is common for people to relieve low back discomfort at home by relaxing, attempting cold or hot therapies, taking OTC painkillers and stretching lightly.
But, it is important to consult a doctor about the lower back pain, which is extreme and is not improving or is occurring in conjunction with other concerning symptoms.
Take immediate medical care or see a spine surgeon if the lower back discomfort affects coordination or bladder control.
