Is Back Pain a Sign of Something More Serious?

If you’re reading this, you (or someone you know) are probably experiencing back pain that is painful and consistent enough that it is worrying you. While a qualified medical pain expert can give you a proper diagnosis for what is causing your back pain, there are certain signs you can look out for to help determine if there is something more serious going on.

Numbness

If you are feeling numbness in the back, it may be a sign of nerve damage or irritation within that area. Nerve damage may be caused by medical conditions such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs. If you have been attempting to wait off the pain, or relieving it by taking over the counter medication with little results, then it may be time to see a doctor about your condition.

Fever

If you are experiencing a fever along with your back pain, it may be a sign of a serious infection. Instead of having something be wrong with your spine or your nerves, it is more of a medical issue that is spread to your whole body. Fevers typically come with aches and pains, and yours may be more focused on the spine. For fevers, your primary care doctor may be better equipped to address the situation. An antibiotic prescription can do more to battle your back pain, although you should still avoid physical activity while you’re taking the medication.

Trauma

Physical trauma can mean something as serious as a car accident or something as simple as a fall. If you are older than 55, the latter can be intense enough to cause fractures, which may be the reason for your back pain. A visit to a chronic pain doctor for X-rays can help determine if past trauma has caused a serious issue within your spine.

If you can define your back pain as simply “annoying” and it doesn’t last for longer than a week, then you can probably save yourself some money and sleep it off. However, if your back pain came with any of the mentioned symptoms or events, it’s better to lean towards safety. Garden State Pain Center’s team of pain experts can help determine if your back pain is a sign of something more serious, and if it is, consult you on what the best next steps are. Contact one of our New Jersey offices for an appointment today.