Most back issues last a few weeks and get better with hot and cold packs, stretching, massage, and other DIY remedies. If you have tried everything, even bought a new mattress, but the pain doesn't subside, it is time to see a doctor. Back pain that persists for over six weeks requires urgent medical care to identify the root cause.
WILLOWBROOK
Chiropractor & physical therapy
HOMER GLEN
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
NAPERVILLE
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
CREST HILL
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
MRI CENTER
same day imaging, Crest hill, il
AURORA
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Blog Layout
7 Signs Your Back Pain Might Be an Emergency
The Advanced Physicians Team • Dec 01, 2022
7 Signs Your Back Pain Might Be an Emergency
Many people experience back pain at some point, which gets better with over-the-counter painkillers, exercises, ice, heat, and other home remedies. However, some back problems are severe and warrant a visit to the ER or your primary care physician. Many red-flag signs of back pain relate to the spinal cord, fractures, organ-related damage, or damage to the spinal nerves. The following back pain symptoms necessitate immediate medical help.
1. You Have Injured Your Back
Back pain after a car accident or fall can indicate broken bones or damage to internal organs. You could have a spinal injury if you fell from a significant height, dove into shallow water and hit the bottom, or got tackled while playing sports.
Often, people assume they are fine if they walk away from an accident without glaring issues. However, your injury may have created tears in the ligaments and muscles in the back, and you should see a doctor immediately.
2. Persisting Pain
3. The Pain Keeps You Up at Night
Back pain from a minor injury or overuse reduces with rest, and you should be able to sleep through the night. However, if you can find a comfy spot or the pain worsens at night, you should see a doctor. Back issues that worsen at night indicate a severe problem, such as degenerating disc, spinal tumor, or spinal bone infection.
4. Numbness and Weakness
Back pain accompanying tingling, weakness, and numbness indicates nerve damage that worsens without treatment. If you lift something heavy, you might have a herniated disc, and your doctor conducts a physical exam to determine the location of the slipped disc. Compressed spinal nerves from sciatica, spinal stenosis, and other disorders also cause numbness in your back and legs.
5. Fever
Sometimes, back pain triggers whole-body reactions like fever, chills, and night sweats. An unrelenting fever accompanied by back pain may indicate a kidney infection, spinal column infection, or another life-threatening systemic infection. In this case, go to the ER quickly to receive much-needed urgent care.
6. Sharp and Radiating Pain
Back pain caused by mild conditions manifests as a dull ache that only lasts a few weeks. A sharp pain indicates a problem with an internal organ or torn ligaments or muscles. If the pain radiates to the legs or glutes, you may have a nerve compression condition, and medical attention is necessary.
7. Incontinence
Back pain paired with groin numbness and bladder/bowel incontinence should not be ignored. This pairing may indicate a rare condition called cauda equina syndrome, where compressed nerve roots in the lumbar spine cut off all sensations.
This condition requires surgery within 48 hours to make a full recovery. If you don’t get immediate attention, you may experience long-term incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or paralysis.
Back Pain Treatment at Advanced Physicians
If you have tried everything to ease your back pain with no luck, consider chiropractic care as a drug-free alternative to treating back issues. Chiropractors use hands-on adjustments to treat problems that affect the body's muscles, nerves, joints, and bones.
Advanced Physicians emphasizes patient-driven treatment, which means we customize a treatment plan based on your medical history, medications, diet, exercise, sleep habits, and other factors.
Our chiropractic adjustments relieve back pain caused by various issues, such as degenerative disc, osteoporosis, sciatica, and sacroiliac joint pain. In addition to manual adjustments, your chiropractor may recommend exercises, physical therapy, massage, and nutrition for long-term results.
Contact us today at Advanced Physicians for relief from chronic back pain.
On your journey to Get out of Pain, physical therapy is an important consideration. If you've found yourself searching Google for 'Physical Therapist Near Me' or 'how to get out of pain' then let us be your choice to increase mobility and reduce back and neck pain through physical therapy in the Chicagoland area. It's time to leave your discomfort behind and embrace a future of improved mobility and greater freedom of movement.
If you find yourself reading this, it's likely you've experienced knee pain, perhaps due to a car accident, a gym injury, or the wear and tear of daily life. Rest assured, you're not alone. Let's take a look at what knee pain really is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from affecting your life in the future.
Embarking on a new year often brings a surge of resolutions and commitments towards health and wellness. For many, this journey is hindered by the nagging presence of pain, whether it's a result of a car accident, a gym injury, or the cumulative toll of daily activities. Fortunately, there are actionable steps you can take to ensure that 2024 starts with less or no pain. In conjunction with the expert services offered by Advanced Physicians Physical Therapy , these tips can guide you toward a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
When it comes to maintaining our health and well-being, the importance of foot and ankle care often goes unrecognized. Yet, these parts of our body play a crucial role in our daily lives, affecting our mobility and overall quality of life. This is where podiatrists come in - specialists dedicated to the care of our feet and ankles. In this article, we delve into the top reasons why seeing a podiatrist is essential for foot and ankle health, backed by insights from reputable studies and medical sources. From treating common conditions like plantar fasciitis to managing diabetes-related foot issues, we explore how podiatrists help us stay on our feet and moving forward.
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Ralph Esposito as the latest addition to our team at Advanced Physicians. With a rich background in podiatric medicine, Dr. Esposito brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise to our practice, aligning perfectly with our commitment to excellence in patient care.
Are you tired of the ache and discomfort in your wrists and hands? Does typing or using a computer mouse leave you wincing in pain? You might be experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people, especially those who spend long hours working on computers. The good news is that with expert care, you can conquer carpal tunnel and reclaim your comfort and productivity.
Muscle pain is a frequent ailment that can significantly disrupt your daily life. Those tight, tender areas in your muscles that seem to radiate pain to other body parts? They're known as trigger points or "muscle knots." Understanding these knots and how to unlock them can be the key to alleviating your discomfort and enhancing your overall well-being.
