4 Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Seek Medical Attention
Back pain is an extremely common issue, especially as people age. Because of that, it can be hard to know if the pain you’re experiencing is a minor nuisance or an indication of a more serious problem.
If your back pain is disrupting your everyday life or feels unmanageable, seeking out care from a chiropractor is a great option to help you heal more quickly and prevent further troubles in the future.
At Rush Chiropractic and Rehab, located in Pembroke Pines, we treat a wide range of concerns with custom treatment plans designed to help you feel your best.
But we also understand that not everyone is quick to seek out medical help anytime they experience pain.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you should get professional help for your back pain, here are some important factors to consider.
Pinpointing the Cause of Your Back Pain
In some cases, it can be difficult or even impossible to determine what is causing your back pain without help from a medical expert. However, if you think you know the cause of your injury or irritation, that can help guide your response.
For example, if you were more active than usual or know that you lifted something incorrectly and feel some minor pain or soreness as a result, then your back issue might resolve itself with time.
Try resting and/or icing the sore area to help reduce any swelling. If the pain goes away during the day, then you likely have nothing to worry about.
However, if you recently experienced trauma like a car accident or a fall, you should definitely seek out Chiropractic attention to make sure you weren’t seriously injured.
No matter the cause, if you have a history of joint or muscular problems or you are an older individual, minor trauma can have serious, lasting effects. If this applies to you, you should always consult with a medical professional after a fall or other injury.
Common Types of Back Pain
Sharp pain in a specific part of the back could be caused by a torn muscle or an internal organ problem.
Radiating pain that shoots into the legs often indicates some degree of nerve damage, and if the pain extends below your knees, it’s likely more severe.
Additionally, any pain that lingers for days or weeks at a time is worth getting checked out. Why spend more time in pain than necessary when there could be an easy solution?
Understanding Risk Factors for More Serious Back Conditions
Though back pain affects many individuals, some are more likely than others to experience it at a serious level.
Common risk factors include:
- Older age
- Lack of exercise, or exercising improperly
- Being overweight
- Medical conditions like arthritis, cancer, and even depression or anxiety
- Improper lifting of heavy objects
- Regular smoking
- A history of intravenous drug use
Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be minimized with lifestyle changes. Exercise, especially low-impact aerobics like walking and swimming and exercises to strengthen the core, can help reduce pain and strengthen your body to prevent future injuries.
Exercise is also an important part of maintaining a healthy body weight, which can reduce some of the stress placed on your spine.
Additionally, it’s important to focus on developing a good standing and sitting posture. If you have to sit for long periods of time, try to sit in a seat with lower back support, or place a pillow against your back to help it hold its natural curve. Try to take breaks from sitting to stand or stretch every 30 minutes if possible.
If you work in a job that requires heavy lifting, be sure to use the proper technique and keep your back straight while allowing your legs to take on most of the weight.
When in Doubt, Reach Out to Chiropractor Near You
If you’re already considering seeking treatment for back pain, then that’s probably a sign that you should pursue it. Even if the pain seems minor, you’ll feel reassured once you know that it’s not reflecting a more serious health concern.
Plus, there’s a strong chance that the pain can be reduced or eliminated through some simple treatments, so why not give it a try by scheduling an appointment with a Pembroke Pines chiropractor?
If you visit a general practitioner for back pain, they will often just prescribe you some medication to help with pain or inflammation, but that won’t address the root cause of the pain.
When you visit Rush Chiropractic and Rehab, we work with you to develop a long-term solution for your pain while also helping you prevent future injuries.
On your first visit, we can take you through a comprehensive exam that will help us understand the source of your pain and develop a treatment that’s tailored to your needs. And if we find evidence of a medical condition that is outside of our scope of treatment, we’re also able to refer you to other healthcare providers.
Give us a call now at 954-432-5006 to schedule a consultation and start the process of reducing your back pain as soon as possible.
Dr. Rush is a 1994 graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Sports Science and Wellness.
Dr. Rush earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Life University in 2000 where he was honored with magna cum laude. Dr. Rush was born and raised in South Florida where he returned after graduation. He currently practices in Pembroke Pines, Florida where he owns and operates Rush Chiropractic and Rehab at Pembroke Pines FL.
