When to see a doctor about back pain
It's hard to live a life out on the New York City town if back pain is holding you back. Sure, back pain is a reality for most people, especially if you do a lot of exercise that could be putting tension and pressure into your back muscles. But how much is too much? If you experience any of these symptoms in conjunction with your back pain, it could be time to stop ignoring it and consult a doctor:
Trauma
If you were in an accident of any kind and you now experience back pain, it could be a sign of something much worse than just muscle soreness. Your doctor will most likely check to see if there are any fractures to your back or spine and figure out whether you could use physical therapy or something as serious as corrective surgery.
Feeling of numbness
If you have numbness in your back or a feeling of prickliness, resembling a foot that is asleep, you may have nerve damage. It could be a sign of a very serious condition such as a herniated disc or stenosis. It's extremely important not to ignore this feeling in your back, because it could take a turn for the worse, potentially causing you to be paralyzed or at least disabled.
Persistent severe pain
If your back is clearly not temporary and has lasted for more than 1 week, it could be a sign that your body is not simply recovering from a minor injury. Even if there was no trauma associated with the pain, you should get this checked out by a doctor, similar to any other persistent pain, if it does not subside in due time.
What to do?
New York has many places to go to get some advice about your back pain (see the previous post that lists some options). From Laser Spine Institute New York to a regular hospital, there are many options at your disposal. Get your pain looked at if you have a gut feeling that it could be more than just normal pain...you will be glad you did. See this great article from WebMD for more information.