Back pain doesn’t necessarily require medical attention in all cases. Mild pain that doesn’t overly impair your movement or daily activities often goes away on its own. A bit of soreness should be relatively easy to treat with over-the-counter remedies. However, there are many instances when it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.

Longevity or Consistency

Most lower back pain will subside in time, but that’s not always the case. If you’ve been treating your back pain for a week or more and it still isn’t going away, you should consult a doctor. Is your back pain consistently associated with certain movements or positions? Is it mostly when you lie down or sit in a certain way? There are a number of issues that can cause those symptoms and some are quite serious. Avoid straining yourself and be sure to see you doctor as soon as possible.

Spreading

Pain that spreads is never a good sign. Sore muscles or mild bruising are typically localized. The pain doesn’t usually drift from your back to your legs or arms. If you’re experiencing pain that spreads from one location to another, you need to be examined by a doctor. This could be indicative of nerve damage or other serious conditions. Spreading pain is commonly known as referred pain, and it may be a sign of ovarian cysts, gallstones, shingles, or a number of other medical issues.

Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling

Sudden, unexplained weakness in your limbs, back, or other areas should always be examined thoroughly. Tingling or numbness that’s unexpected or severe needs to be brought to the attention of your doctor. Numbness and tingling are frequently symptoms of nerve damage, but there are many reasons that they could occur. Your doctor needs to be consulted.

Weight Loss

Weight loss that occurs without warning or explanation should always be discussed with your doctor. That includes when weight loss is experienced alongside lower back pain. Schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor, and be sure to share any other symptoms or changes that you’ve noticed. The more information that your doctor has, the better.

Redness or Swelling

You’re probably familiar with redness or swelling being associated with bug bites, but that’s definitely not the only possible cause. Swelling or redness on your back needs to be monitored and reported. Let your doctor know if it spreads to other areas, and tell your doctor if there’s any associated soreness along with the back pain. You should also report any other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting.

Emergencies

It should go without saying that you need to speak with medical professionals whenever there’s an emergency. While 911 can respond quickly, it’s also a good idea to follow up with your physician. If you lower back pain occurs with fever, after an accident, or arises along with bladder control or bowel issues, you need to inform your doctor. Chiropractic spine care in Jacksonville, FL, can make a massive difference in your treatment and your quality of life.