Back Pain plagues Americans every day. Thousands of people suffer through their back pain silently. They don’t seek out treatment because they feel that the pain will go away on its own. It is normal to have aches and pain after exercise or strenuous job activity. However, there are some types of back pain that you should ignore.
A Family Chiropractic Clinic in Denton, Texas has leading experts who can discuss the back pain that you’re experiencing. We want to help you learn which types of back pain you should not ignore. By recognizing the various types of pain you will be better equipped to either manage the pain, or know when to seek medical attention. If you are unsure about the seriousness of the pain that you’re experiencing, you should always consult a medical professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Ongoing Lower Back Pain You Should Not Ignore
It can be difficult to distinguish between normal back pain and pain that shouldn’t be ignored. If the pain lasts long periods of time or if you experience severe lower back pain then it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. There are three primary types of back pain that should never be ignored: long-lasting lower back pain, pain that radiates down the legs, and pain resulting from lumbar strain.
While back pain is a relatively normal occurrence in most people’s lives, there are occasions where it is important to seek medical attention from a specialist. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or chiropractor if you experience persistent pain in an injured area. This includes simple injuries including strains from everyday tasks. You should also consult with a medical professional if you experience pain that lasts more than three days without improvement.
Another scenario in which back pain shouldn’t be ignored is when there are signs of swelling or inflammation. Swelling indicates that the muscle tissue should be examined. This can be the sign of a severe condition that will require treatment.
Radiating Back Pain You Shouldn’t Ignore
Radiating back pain down your leg is also a situation that shouldn’t be ignored. This is also a symptom of a very serious condition. This sudden, sharp pain can lead to the loss of strength in lower extremities. Most often the cause is due to a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. The pain may be accompanied by numbness. Most times, this type of serious injury is caused by either heavy lifting with improper form and support, or a fall.
In the event of a bulging or herniated disc, the disc affects the nerve. This is the cause for the shooting pain down the leg. Typically with injuries like this, the pain in the leg surpasses the lower back pain. Most often, the leg pain can be very intense while the pain in the back is much more manageable. The bulging or herniated disc does not usually cause swelling or stiffness. While most instances of this injury can be treated using physical therapy, significant injuries may require surgery. This is another example of why you should seek medical attention if you experience this type of pain.
Lumbar Strain You Should Not Ignore
Lumbar strain is one of the more painful back injuries. This is usually an intense, extreme pain accompanied by tenderness, swelling, and strength loss. Most often this type of back strain is caused by overuse either during exercising or working. The overuse with improper support or posture can result in tears throughout the paralumbar muscle group of the lower back. These small tears can cause a significant amount of pain. The injury can also result in a weakening of the area. This can impact the back’s ability to properly support your body. The result may be discomfort while standing or only being able to stand with assistance. Thankfully, lumbar strain such as this can be treated with medication and physical therapy. Strengthening and stretching the area can help it heal. However, it’s important to do this under the supervision of a trained professional to avoid making the injury worse.
Whenever you are in doubt about if your back pain should be ignored or if you should seek treatment, it’s best to be cautious and seek treatment. Your medical professional will be able to evaluate your injury and advise accordingly. If you ignore pain that is the result of a serious injury or illness then you are putting yourself at risk. If left untreated then you open yourself up to the possibilities of making the situation worse. You may even be at risk for permanent damage if you do not seek medical attention. A medical professional can also help you learn how to avoid the same injury in the future.
