How to Know When to See a Spine and Pain Specialist

Are you looking for reputable spine and pain specialists around Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Killeen, and Hutto? If so, Dr. Clement Yeh and his team at Republic Spine & Pain will be ready to help you deal with any pain that could affect the quality of your life. Besides relying on a multidisciplinary approach to address spine-related conditions, they also utilize technologically-advanced pain management procedures to treat your pain. But before you book your appointment, here are some of the signs that may make you a perfect candidate for spine and pain procedures.

How to know it is time to see a pain specialist

Pain not only affects your ability to perform daily tasks, but it can also impair your judgment on consulting the right specialist. The signs include:

Chronic pain

Back pain can go away after a few days using over-the-counter relievers and physical therapy. But when it goes beyond 12 weeks and persists even after injuries, it is time to see a spine specialist. No one needs to live with pain lasting that long.

Have trouble passing stool or urine

Passing stool or urine is an inevitable part of life that you must go through as long as you are alive. The process needs to be painless and short. But when you find yourself spending hours in the toilet, it may be time to see a spine specialist. You could be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and nerve damage. And this could be a sign of nerve damage in the back that can cause abdominal pain and the digestive system’s disruption.

Developing leg or feet pain

Did you know that pain or numbness in the legs and feet alongside back pain could be a sign of a spine-related condition? The nerves in the spine are closely interlinked to the hips, legs, and feet. Any tingling sensation or general weakness could be due to a herniated disk putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. See a spine and pain specialist if your leg and feet lose control and experience back pain at the same time.

Fever

High temperatures accompanied by discomfort in the lumbar region or thoracic spine are signs of something more severe. Go for cancer screening if these signs are accompanied by fatigue and weight loss.

Loss of weight

Losing weight is a significant milestone while battling with back pain after that is another. There is no joy in losing weight through physical exercises, only to experience excruciating pain in your back due to newfound weight. The chances are you could have denied your body of necessary nutrients, leading to decreased bone density and misalignment of the spinal cord. While improving your diet can address the back pain you are experiencing, it may be best to see an orthopedic specialist to determine what went wrong.

You do not have to live with back pain

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is time to see an orthopedic expert. To learn more about how a spine and pain specialist can help you, schedule a consultation today.