It might be tempting to just wait it out when it comes to back pain. While back pain may sometimes heal on its own, it could become a chronic issue if it doesn’t get better and it’s left untreated.
How can you truly tell whether your warrants a doctor’s visit?
If the pain is severe, is getting worse, lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by other symptoms – such as numbness or problems with movement – then it is time to see a pain specialist. This is the type of doctor who will provide an efficient evaluation and treatment and will not waste your time. Let’s talk about some of the major reasons why people experience back pain and who you can talk to about finding relief that works.
Back Pain After Playing Sports
Pain in the back after participating in a sport may be due to a muscle strain, a sudden increase in the intensity of the activity, or a sudden or awkward movement. This can happen when playing popular sports like golf, tennis, or basketball, and it is considered an acute injury.
See a doctor for sports-related back pain if the pain is so severe that it interferes with your ability to walk or sleep. Moreover, if it is radiating and/or accompanied by weakness or a fever, see a pain specialist.
Back Pain After an Accident or a Fall
If you were in a car accident (even a minor one) or if you fell at work or at home, and you now have back pain, it is in your best interest to see a pain doctor for an evaluation and treatment. Sometimes, it takes a couple of days before you’ll notice the pain, especially in the case of whiplash – which causes neck pain and upper back pain.
Back Pain Due to Disc Problems
Patients with slipped, herniated, or bulging discs or degenerative disc disease can suffer from chronic back pain, because the disc can press on – and thereby irritate – surrounding nerves in the spinal canal. This can cause back pain that radiates to other areas of the body. The disc may also pinch the sciatic nerve, and this causes radiating pain in the lower back and usually down one leg.
Pain Management Doctor in Austin, Cedar Park, and Marble Falls
A pain specialist can help relieve back pain that is caused by a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to disc problems. Pain management can include everything from prescription medication to physical therapy to pain-relief injections administered by the doctor. Not every type of doctor is well-versed in providing injection therapy in the back, so be sure to see a pain specialist who knows how to avoid causing further injury.
Here at Balcones Pain Consultants, our pain specialists evaluate and treat back pain that is caused by injuries, disc problems, and bone and joint diseases such as arthritis. We provide the latest and most advanced types of pain management therapies that work for each specific type of pain effectively.
To find out how we can help relieve your back pain, schedule a consultation by contacting our friendly staff today at (512) 834-4141 or request an appointment now by filling out our online form. We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free life once again!
