Do you suffer from chronic back pain? Has it become so severe that it’s impacting your quality of life? If so, then it may be time to see a spine specialist. By identifying the root cause of your pain and developing a treatment plan, a spine specialist can help you find relief. But how do you know if you need to see a spine specialist? Here are four signs indicating that it may be time to seek out professional help.
1. Your Pain Is Severe or Persistent
If you’re dealing with severe or persistent back pain, it’s time to see a spine specialist. While some degree of back pain is normal, it shouldn’t be so severe that it’s interfering with your daily life. Likewise, if your pain persists for more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to get professional help from a spine specialist in Chicago, as they can help diagnose the cause of your pain and find a solution. Remember that any type of chronic pain is a sign that something isn’t right, so don’t ignore it.
2. You’ve Tried Home Remedies without Success
If you’ve tried home remedies like over-the-counter pain medication, heat or ice therapy, and rest, but your pain is still not improving, then it’s time to see a spine specialist. Sometimes, home remedies are all you need to find relief from your back pain. But if they’re not working, then it’s time to seek out professional help as a spine specialist can offer more targeted and effective treatments. Understanding what is pain management and how can pain management doctors help you will not only help you find the right type of specialist but also get you on the road to recovery as you will know what to expect.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’ve been experiencing back pain and have also noticed that you’ve lost weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of something more serious. While weight loss can be a good thing, unexplained weight loss is often a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you’ve lost more than five percent of your body weight in a short period of time, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. They may want to run some tests to rule out any potential causes.
4. Fever or Chills
Fever or chills can sometimes accompany back pain, but they can also be indicative of an infection. It could be a sign of something as simple as the flu or a more serious infection like meningitis. It may also be a sign of an infection in the spine or an abscess. So, if you’re experiencing back pain along with a fever or chills, it’s important to see a spine specialist right away. They can order the appropriate tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and get you started on the road to recovery.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know the top four signs that indicate it’s time to see a spine specialist; don’t wait to get help if you’re experiencing any of them. The sooner you see a spine specialist, the sooner you can find relief from your back pain. So don’t delay; make an appointment with a spine specialist today.
