What Are the Dangers of Ignoring Your Back Pain?

A man experiencing back pain in the neck and lower spine area.

In many cases, patients with fleeting cases of back pain will never need to see a spine surgeon. Back pain is often the result of spending a weekend gardening or helping a friend move furniture. But in some cases, back pain doesn’t go away by itself. Sometimes, it can persist, become worse, or perhaps even indicate a serious underlying spinal problem. Because of this, it’s best not to ignore your back pain. A spine doctor can let you know why you’re experiencing symptoms and point you in the direction of a full recovery.

Your Symptoms Could Worsen

One reason why it’s best not to ignore your back pain is that your condition could become worse. Going about your usual activities—which might include heavy lifting or spending hours in an office chair—can strain the soft tissues in your back further and complicate your problem. Eventually, you might even develop new symptoms to go along with your back pain. You might experience shooting pains that extend along your legs or arms, for example. This might be accompanied by muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling.

You Might Require More Extensive Treatments

Patients with back pain can often find sufficient relief of symptoms through conservative, nonsurgical treatment options. Spine doctors generally prefer that patients try non-surgical care options first before considering spine surgery. However, if you try to ignore your back pain, it is possible that you might require more extensive treatments later, which might include surgery. For instance, a herniated disc can get better with conservative treatment. If left untreated, it is possible for it to worsen. Rarely, this can cause permanent nerve damage, saddle anesthesia, and cauda equina syndrome.

Pain Could Indicate a Serious Problem

Lastly, it’s important not to ignore your back pain because it may be more than a mere muscle strain. Back pain could be caused by problems that require the attention of a spine surgeon, such as a compression fracture, cervical radiculopathy, or spondylolisthesis.

Don’t delay getting a second opinion on your spine problems. Las Vegas area residents can visit Spine Institute of Nevada featuring Dr. Perry for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Call (702) 979-4763 or visit us online to learn more about our non-surgical options and minimally invasive surgeries.