Coach Presents: When to worry about your back pain
Back pain is something almost everyone will experience in their lives. It can be caused by numerous factors, whether it is from heavy exercising, long commutes and sitting times or just being chained to your desk all day, back pain is extremely common. However, the good news is that most often the pain is not a more serious medical condition. The bark of your back pain is often more serious than its bite.
When Should I See a Doctor for Pain?
In most cases of back pain, you will not need to see a doctor because your pain usually goes away with or without the treatment. However, a visit to the physician is a good idea when you have tingling or if you have acute and crippling pain and the pain doesn’t improve with rest. It is also wise to visit a doctor if you have pain after an accident or injury.
A visit to the doctor is required if you have and any of these following problems:
- trouble urinating
- fever
- severe weight loss that was unintentional
- weakness, pain or numbness in your legs
These types of symptoms could signal a problem that requires attention from a medical professional.
Which Type of Doctor Should I See for my Back Pain?
There are numerous types of physicians that can treat back pain, there are family practice doctors and even specialists in disorders of the muscle, nerves and skeletal systems. It is usually best to see your primary care doctor before a specialist because often times they can treat the problem. In special cases your family physician may refer you to a specialist.
In other words, the reason to worry about back pain would be if you have other symptoms associated with your pain, or if your pain started after you had an injury or accident. If you have other significant non-back symptoms, or red flags from the list, it may be wise to consult with your physician.
~Sean Hogan has coached hockey at the international and collegiate levels for over ten years. He has spoken at numerous events about culture building, goal setting and healthy lifestyles. He holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Recreation and Sports Science with an emphasis on Coaching Education from OHIO University.