Most people experience back or neck pain at some point. Sometimes it comes from a long day of sitting, a strenuous workout, or even sleeping in the wrong position. But when the discomfort lingers or starts affecting how you live your life, it might be a sign that something more serious is going on. Knowing when to see a spine specialist can make all the difference in preventing long-term issues and finding the right treatment.
1. Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Improve
If you’ve had pain lasting longer than six weeks, especially if it isn’t improving with rest, over-the-counter medications, or activity modification, it’s worth getting checked. Chronic pain may point to underlying conditions like degenerative disc disease, arthritis in the spine, or even a herniated disc.
2. Pain That Radiates to Your Arms or Legs
When back pain travels down the leg (sciatica) or into the arms, it may mean a nerve in the spine is being pinched. This type of pain can be sharp, burning, or tingling and may not improve without treatment.
3. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness
If you start to feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, don’t ignore it. These symptoms often point to nerve involvement, which can worsen if left untreated. A spine specialist can run imaging tests to determine whether a disc problem, narrowing of the spinal canal, or another condition is to blame.
4. Trouble Walking or Balancing
Difficulty staying steady on your feet or walking even short distances without discomfort can indicate more advanced spinal issues. These problems may be related to spinal cord compression or nerve impingement and should be evaluated quickly.
5. Severe Pain After an Injury
If you’ve had a fall, sports injury, or car accident and develop severe back pain afterward, don’t wait to see if it improves on its own. Traumatic injuries can cause fractures, ligament damage, or disc problems that may need immediate medical care to heal properly.
6. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
Sudden incontinence or difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, alongside back pain, is an emergency. It can signal a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage. Seek emergency medical care right away.
7. Back Pain That Interrupts Sleep
Occasional tossing and turning is normal, but if back pain consistently wakes you up at night or keeps you from sleeping comfortably, it could be a sign of something more than a muscle strain.
What a Spine Specialist Can Do for You
Visiting your primary care doctor is an excellent first step, but a spine specialist brings advanced training and experience in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions. Whether through physical therapy, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery, specialists provide targeted care designed to restore function, mobility, and a pain-free life.
Get Expert Care for Back Pain in Utah
Back and neck pain might be common, but they’re not something you have to live with. If you’re experiencing any of the red flags above, it’s time to take the next step.
Visit The Orthopedic Partners for expert spine care in Salt Lake City, Heber City, and Park City, Utah. Request an appointment today to meet with a spine specialist and take the first step toward lasting relief.
