Back pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from muscle strain to herniated discs. In some cases, back pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a medical professional. If you experience any of the following symptoms with back pain San Antonio, it may indicate that you need further medical attention.

Weakness in your legs

When you experience pain along with weakness in your legs, it may be a sign of nerve damage. Weakness can indicate that the nerves exiting the spine have been irritated or compressed, which could indicate an underlying condition such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.

Fever

A fever accompanying back pain may suggest an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or an abscess. These conditions can require antibiotics and other medical treatment to resolve the issue.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexpected weight loss combined with back pain could indicate a more serious condition such as cancer, so it is important to get checked out if you are experiencing this symptom. Explained weight loss can also signify depression, requiring medical attention.

Persistent pain, even after resting

If your back pain does not improve after rest or over-the-counter medications, it may indicate an underlying condition requiring more focused treatment. A doctor, for further diagnosis and management, should evaluate persistent pain.

Pain that radiates down your legs

Radiating pain, also known as sciatica, can be a sign of nerve damage or an issue with the discs in your spine. This type of pain requires specific medical attention to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

When you visit a doctor for back pain, you must provide as much information as possible about your symptoms and experiences. This will help the doctor determine whether or not an underlying condition needs to be addressed. The diagnosis and treatment of back pain depend on the underlying cause.

Now that you know the indicative signs to watch out for, here are some causes of back pain:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Back muscles can be strained by frequent heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement.
• Bulging or ruptured disks: Your spine’s disks are cushions between the vertebrae. A disk’s soft interior material has the potential to swell or rupture, pressing painfully against a nerve.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the lower back.
• Skeletal irregularities: Your spine’s vertebrae can be abnormally shaped or curved, leading to pain.
• Nerve compression: Herniated disks, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis may compress nerves in your spine.
• Some of the treatment options you need to know to include the following:
• Physical therapy: Exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that support the back, reducing pain.
• Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may alleviate pain, while prescription medications such as muscle relaxants are available if needed.
• Surgery: This option should only be considered when all other treatments have failed.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms besides your back pain, it is important to seek medical attention at Castle Hills Family Practice.