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Low back and neck pain are among the most frequent reasons for visits to a physician's office. Almost 80% of all adults experience low back pain at some time during their lifetime. Most episodes resolve in a short period of time. Pain can be acute and interfere with routine, everyday function. If so, evaluation and the care of a sub-specialist who cares for spine problems may be required.
Problems involving the lower back and neck are among the most frequent causes of time lost from work, second only to the common cold. These problems can arise from a mild injury or, a change in activity level not necessarily caused by a significant trauma. They may be due to routine wear and tear on the body.
Fortunately, most episodes of back pain are not serious and respond to simple forms of treatment. You would benefit from visiting a specialist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Back or neck pain lasting more than two weeks
- Pain radiating down the arms or legs (Radiculopathy)
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Trauma or an accident causing significant back or neck pain
- Chronic pain that interferes with routine everyday activity
- Difficulty voiding
Urgent Warning Signs:
Under certain circumstances, you should be evaluated on an urgent basis. These include:- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Recent progressive weakness or loss of strength