Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: February 18, 2026
Thousands of people injure their back every single day, and a lot of times, they can manage the issue on their own without the need for professional intervention. However, some serious injuries or problems that present with specific symptoms should be examined by a profession. So when should you worry about your back pain, and when can you have confidence that you can manage it on your own? In today’s blog, we explore some of the instances where you should connect with a healthcare professional to assist with treatment for your spine issues.
When To Worry About Back Pain
We don’t really want you to “worry” about your back pain, because there’s a very good chance that effective treatment options are closer than you think. At the same time, far too often we hear from patients who ignore a problem or simply assume that it will go away on its own, only to have them eventually show up in our office with a more progressed injury. We always want you to be proactive in your treatment of back issues, but let’s look at some of the signs that suggest that you should connect with a spine specialist to manage your unique back issue.
- Severe/Worsening Pain – If pain is severe, it doesn’t seem to improve after a few hours or days, or it actually ends up intensifying, it’s wise to connect with a spine specialist. Severe or worsening pain suggests that there is a more significant problem beneath the surface that is unlikely to get back to full health without a more comprehensive treatment plan. This doesn’t mean that surgery is inevitable, but for your best bet at reducing or eliminating this discomfort, you’ll want to bring in an expert.
- Movement Dysfunction – If your back issue is making it difficult to move normally or perform simple tasks like getting out of bed or showering, it’s time to enlist a professional for help. Some mild dysfunction can be expected with minor injuries like a soft tissue sprain, but if you’re hunched or struggling to walk normally, head to a back specialist.
- Numbness – If your spinal injury presents with numbness or sensory concerns, you’ll want to head in for professional care. Numbness or a loss of normal sensations, especially in the extremities, suggests that is a problem with one or more of the key spinal nerves in the area, and you’ll want to consult with a specialist as soon as possible to identify the problem and begin treatment so that nerve damage doesn’t get worse.
- Bowel/Bladder Issues – The nerves that help to control your bladder and bowels are also housed in your lower back, and if an injury to your spine has made it difficult or impossible for you to have normal bowel or bladder movements, you’ll need to sync up with a doctor. If you’re struggling to hold or release your bladder or bowels, you’ll want to seek prompt medical attention.
- Sudden or Severe Headaches – Finally, sudden or severe headaches could indicate that there is a cerebrospinal fluid leak somewhere within the spinal canal. This fluid loss can lead to debilitating symptoms, making it hard to even stand upright. Plugging this leak can allow cerebrospinal fluid levels to normalize, and while your body will attempt to do this on its own, treatment is often more effective when a professional helps manage the issue.
If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, or you simply want a professional to look at your spine and provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, connect with someone like Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brian Institute. Give our office a call today at (651) 430-3800.
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