Top 5 Signs You Need To Consult a Spinal Surgeon

Back pain is a common problem for millions of U.S. citizens. Acute pain in your back that usually occurs due to minor injuries or awkward movements of the spine can be cured with simple rest and OTC anti-inflammatories like aspirin. 

Sometimes this pain can get more severe and persistent. You might even feel like it will never subside. Even with these symptoms most people typically avoid consulting a spine surgeon due to fear of getting surgery as a prognosis. However, even if you experience debilitating back pain, you don’t always require surgical treatment. There are other treatments and solutions out there that can be more appropriate for you. But what about those that require surgery? 

Here are the five most common signs that you may need to consult a surgical specialist. 

1. Weakness, loss of sensation, or tingling in upper and lower extremities
If your arms or legs get weak or numb, and if you experience frequent tingling sensations in them, it may signal that some nerves in your spine are compressed. This problem can develop due to different reasons, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteochondroma

The functions of your upper body are controlled by nerves in your neck, and the nerves in your lower back regulate the functions of your lower body. This will help a spine surgeon determine where the underlying problems may be developing. 

2. You have a slipped or protruding disc
Each of the vertebrae in your spinal cord has a disc between them. These discs serve as cushions and stress absorbers. As you get older or when you participate in vigorous activities, these discs can rupture, bulge, or slip. In most cases, your disc can be returned to the proper position with the help of exercise and stretching. However, consult a spine specialist before starting to exercise. If this treatment fails to provide any results, it’s time to consult a spine surgeon. 

3. Bone spurs in your spine
Bone spurs typically occur due to arthritis and can put excess pressure on your spinal column. They are mostly considered to be harmless consequences of getting older, but bone spurs can sometimes get so big that they compress nerves in your spine. Some signs that bone spurs are the culprits of your back pain include weakness, loss of sensation, and pain that’s traveling to your limbs. 

4. You experience height loss
Ailments like osteoporosis can cause the bones in your spine to weaken and lose their volume and density. This leads to them getting more prone to break. Due to this, your spinal cord can start collapsing on itself, causing you to become shorter. If conservative treatments for osteoporosis aren’t effective and you’re becoming more hunched over with each day, surgery may be your only option. 

5. Your quality of life has decreased significantly
If you feel like you aren’t able to live a comfortable and happy life due to pain in your back, you might want to consult a spine surgeon. Extreme back pain can hamper your career, your private life, and may cause you to miss out on chances to spend time with your family. It can lead to numerous sleep problems, mental issues, and may cause balance problems. 

The bottom line
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, avoid waiting until they worsen and cause you to live a limited lifestyle. Consider reaching out to a reputable and experienced spinal surgeon instead. The specialist will determine the precise culprit of your back problem and will perform the appropriate surgery if necessary. When it comes to back pain, surgical treatment can be a lifesaver for many people.