It’s one of the most common forms of chronic pain out there, a leading cause of disability, and something that most of us are going to experience at some point in our lives. This is doubly true following pregnancy. However, back pain isn’t always something that can be alleviated with a message and some heat therapy. Sometimes, you need medical attention, and here, we’re going to look at the signs that you should get help as soon as you can.
The pain has been going on for weeks
If you have been experiencing back pain and it seemingly isn’t going away, then you should get it checked out at your next convenience. It could be the sign of a more serious injury, such as a ruptured or bulging disc, or it could be the first indicator or a chronic illness such as arthritis or disc disintegration. Whatever the case, the sooner that you get it checked out, the better your chances of being able to manage it before it gets much worse.
You’ve had a recent accident
If you have experienced back pain as the immediate result of an accident, or it’s been a few days since the accident and you’re just now experiencing the pain, you should ensure that you get it checked as soon as possible. If you need to pursue a spinal cord injury claim, it’s important to get the doctor to check your condition as soon as possible. Honestly, it’s best to go to the doctor as soon as you can following an accident, regardless of symptoms, but the second best time to do it is when you feel those symptoms.
You are experiencing a fever, headache, or chills
Any injury that comes alongside a fever, headache, chills, or similar symptoms should immediately be treated as an emergency. These are the most common signs of an injury that has become infected, and at this point, the infection is already quite serious, so getting it treated as soon as possible. Infections can easily become life-threatening if they get into the bloodstream, so do not delay. There’s always a chance you’ve caught a bug at the same time you’re experiencing back pain, but it really is not worth gambling your life on that assumption.
Incontinence or urination problems
One of the more common side effects of quite serious back injuries is the bladder problems that can come with them. There are injuries and conditions that can put pressure on the bladder, which can include things like a buildup of blood in parts of the back it shouldn’t be, spinal injuries, and spinal tumors. There is also a possibility that there is an infection or a buildup of pus that is starting to affect the bladder. Either way, if you have any bladder issues while also having back pain, see a doctor.
Regardless of the potential causes of symptoms, back pain should be taken seriously. If you don’t get help with it, it can become a life-long issue that can seriously diminish your quality of life.
