Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of things, from muscle strains to serious underlying conditions. While most cases of back pain are not serious, it is important to be able to tell the difference between normal and severe back pain. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that indicate that your back pain may be serious. We will also explain how severe back pain is diagnosed and treated.
Reasons for Severe Back Pain
When it comes to severe back pain, problems with the bones or discs are usually to blame. The following conditions can affect the bones and discs in the spine and are some common causes of severe back pain:
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to become weak and porous. As a result, they are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can lead to compression fractures in the spine, which can cause severe back pain.
- Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae begin to break down. This can cause the discs to collapse, which can lead to pain and stiffness in the back.
- Herniated disc: This occurs when a disc ruptures or tears. The gel-like substance inside the disc can leak out and put pressure on the nerves surrounding it. This can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the back.
- Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal begins to narrow. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms.
- Problems with Kidneys or Other Organs: In some cases, back pain can also be due to problems with the kidneys or other organs. In these cases, there are usually other symptoms that occur in addition to back pain. Therefore it is important to pay attention to other symptoms to determine if this is the cause.
Signs That Your Back Pain May Be Serious
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Pain that gets worse when you move
- Numbness or weakness in the legs or arms
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty standing or walking
- A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
These are all signs that your back pain may be caused by a serious underlying condition. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
How Severe Back Pain Is Diagnosed
If you are experiencing severe back pain, your doctor will likely order an imaging test to help diagnose the cause of your pain. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, can help to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing your pain. Once the cause of your pain has been determined, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed the signs that indicate that your back pain may be serious. We have also explained how severe back pain is diagnosed and treated. If you are experiencing back pain, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor. They will be able to determine if your pain is serious and advise you on the best course of treatment. However, if you are experiencing any of the signs we discussed in this blog post, it is important to seek medical help right away.
