Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments that people suffer from. It’s often caused by poor posture, heavy lifting, or muscle strains and sprains. However, in some cases, lower back pain can be a sign of something more serious. Knowing when to seek medical attention for lower back pain can be tricky. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of serious lower back pain and when you should seek help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Persistent Pain
One of the most common signs that lower back pain may be serious is when it persists for an extended period. Pain that extends beyond a few days could be a sign of something more serious. If you have been experiencing pain for more than a week, it’s time to seek medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor. Persistent pain could be a sign of a herniated disc or a pinched nerve.
Numbness or Tingling
Numbness or tingling in the lower back, legs or feet can be a sign of a serious condition. Numbness or tingling may mean that a nerve in your lower back is being compressed or pinched. It could also mean that you have a herniated disc. In either case, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Function
If you have difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder movements along with lower back pain, it could be a sign of Cauda Equina syndrome. Cauda Equina syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord becomes compressed. This can lead to loss of bowel or bladder function and even paralysis. Seek medical attention immediately.
Pain That Worsens at Night
If your lower back pain gets worse at nighttime or wakes you up from sleep, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Tumors, infections or inflammatory conditions are some issues that could cause pain that worsens at night. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if your pain is worse at night.
Pain That Radiates to Other Parts of the Body
Pain that radiates from your lower back to your thighs or legs could be a sign of sciatica. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. It can cause a sharp shooting pain through your lower back, hips, and legs. It’s important to seek medical advice if you experience pain that radiates to other parts of your body.
Lower back pain is a common ailment that can often be managed with rest, medication, and home remedies. However, persistent pain, numbness or tingling, changes in bowel or bladder function, pain that worsens at night, and pain that radiates to other parts of the body can be signs of a more serious condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor. Early detection and treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and prevent serious complications.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
