See the Signs: How to Tell If Your Back Pain Is Serious

Unfortunately, many severe medical conditions often come with simple symptoms. For example, COVID-19 patients can report many of the same symptoms as those who have a simple cold or the seasonal flu. It can be challenging for you to determine whether you should seek attention from a qualified professional.

Like many other symptoms, back pain can be something to be concerned about or not worth worrying much about at all. How can you tell if your back pain is serious? Here are four signs that you’ll need to work with your chiropractor or physician.

The Pain Persists

Superficial back pain usually goes away after a couple of days, but if the pain continues to bother you, especially after several weeks of treatment with a chiropractor, it is probably a more severe problem.

In some cases, the pain may not necessarily be substantial, but it hangs on for a long time and/or comes back regularly. This is called chronic back pain. Although the issue may not be considered “serious” medically, it can interfere with your daily functions and make you miserable. As a result, it still needs to be addressed with your chiropractor.

The Pain Increases

As your body heals, pain should subside, albeit sometimes slowly. However, pain should not increase over time. If it does, it usually means that the injury or problem is getting worse or is not healing properly. Depending on the severity of your pain, you can talk with your chiropractor or with a physician about your increasing discomfort and get answers with a more accurate diagnosis.

Your Range of Motion and Mobility Are Limited

Sometimes, in cases of minimal injury, you can “power” through back pain and still do what needs to be done. Other times, the pain can make basic movement unbearable or make you feel too stiff to function. If this is the case for you, the problem is serious enough to seek professional help.

The Pain Comes with Other Symptoms

Back pain in and of itself can be debilitating and difficult to deal with, but other symptoms can make the situation significantly worse. Concerning symptoms include fever, bladder problems, substantial weight loss or gain, and more. Should you have any of these issues on top of your back pain, you need to talk to your physician as soon as possible for further examination and testing.

In the end, if you ever question whether a situation is serious enough to require medical attention, it may be better to play it safe and be checked out. Your physician and chiropractor can serve as great resources and provide guidance for further action.

About the Author

At Wills Chiropractic, Dr. Chad Wills treats many various symptoms, including back, neck, and joint pain, and offers multiple treatments to address these issues. For example, he can perform chiropractic adjustments, cold laser therapy, massage therapy, exercise training, and more. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he has the knowledge and expertise to help you get relief. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wills, call his practice at 239-331-6060 or visit the Contact Us page here.