When should you see an osteopath about your back pain?
It’s estimated that 80% of us will suffer from a bout of back pain at some point in our lives. It’s the leading cause of pain and disability in the world. It’s also the most common reason people take time off work. It’s one of the most common types of injury I see at Shaun Tyler Osteopath in all ages of the population.
Back pain can present in different ways, in different locations in different people. Very rarely is back pain deemed a serious medical emergency. Most bouts of back pain will resolve within a few days to a week to 6-weeks. As it’s so broad a question I’m asked a lot is “when should I see an osteopath about my back pain?”
When the pain is referring to other areas of the body.
If you’re suffering from back pain and it’s referring to other parts of your body like down your leg or into your groin then it’s time to see an osteopath. This could be a sign of nerve irritation, visceral referred pain or even a hip problem. The causes are numerous and it’s important to have an examination so the osteopath can work out the best course of treatment.
If you have sudden weakness, pins and needles or numbness.
If you have any of these symptoms that don’t seem to be going away then it’s important to seek help. This can be a sign of a nerve problem. It needs to be urgently assessed to gain a baseline measurement in case it worsens. It could be a sign of a prolapsed disc, disc degeneration, stenosis, fracture, an infection, a tumour or even a nutrient deficiency.
Changes in your bladder or bowel.
I cannot stress enough: THIS IS A RED FLAG AND REQUIRES URGENT ATTENTION. If you have any changes in your bladder or bowel then you need to go to the accident and emergency centre as soon as possible. This might present as an increased urgency to go to the toilet or finding it hard to get going. Change in sexual function is also an emergency.
Pain at night
Pain that wakes you up at night is never good and we class this as a red flag. It needs to be investigated straight away as it can be sign of infection, tumour, frature, stenosis and types of rheumatoid arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis, just to name a few. Night pain is not normal. Please seek advice.
Pain after a fall, accident or injury
If you’ve had a fall, accident or injury and you are experiencing back pain then you need to have this checked right away. There’s a possibility of fracture or bone stress injury that might require a referral or scan.
The pain just isn’t going away
Being in pain is not normal and it can effect our physical and mental well being. You should not be in pain. If the pain is getting worse or has not resolved with a week then it’s time to do something about it.
It’s stopping you from working, moving or doing activities.
If your back pain is starting to make you avoid certain movements or activities then it’s time to see an osteopath.
Come and see Shaun Tyler your local Colchester osteopath. Shaun is experienced in treating all types of back pain in all age groups. He treats every person as an individual and takes time to listen to them. Shaun will decide whether osteopathic treatment is right for you or whether you need to be referred to your GP, a pain management specialist or a surgeon for further investigation.
You truly will be in safe hands.