• About Us
  • Centers of Excellence
  • How to Choose a Doctor
  • Tour the Clinic
  • In the News
  • Testimonials
  • For Physicians
• Our Physicians
  • Spine Surgeons
    • Dr. Matthew Geck
    • Dr. Jason Lowenstein
    • Dr. Kurt Von Rueden
  • Nonsurgical Care
    • Dr. Eduardo Elizondo
    • Dr. David Harris
    • Dr. Lee Moroz
• Spine Problems
  • Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Degenerative Disc
  • Herniated Disc
  • Bone Spur
  • Stenosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Kyphosis
  • Spondylolysis
  • Spinal Tumor
• Treatment
  • Home Remedies
  • Nonsurgical Care
  • PMR Physicians
  • Physical Therapy
  • Injection Therapy
  • Surgical Options
    • Artificial Disc
    • Minimally Invasive
  • Post Surgical Care
• Educational Resources
  • Symptoms Chart
  • Anatomy Library
  • Exercise Library
    • Back Exercises
    • Neck Exercises
    • Strengthening
  • Preventing Back Pain
  • How to Lift
• Clinical Outcomes
  • Our Report Card
• Contact Us
  • Make an Appointment
  • Registration Forms
  • Second Opinion
  • Physician Referrals
•  

Spine 'Rules of Thumb':

Trauma:

If you fell down, were in a car accident, or did anything abrupt that may have caused an onset of back pain, definitely go to a spine specialty clinic within 24 hours.

Radicular pain:

Any time you have back or neck pain that is radiating down into your leg or arm, especially if it is getting worse. This is a danger signal and a spine specialist should evaluate you within 2 to 3 days.

Persistent pain:

If pain limited to the low back or neck area does not begin to subside after 3 days, with some anti-inflammatories and some rest, then you most likely need to be evaluated by a spine specialist. For example, if you first noticed back or neck pain on a Monday, and it's now Thursday and it's not getting better on its own, it's time to see a spine specialist to find out what is causing your problem.

Loss of control:

Anytime you have of your bowel or bladder, that is an EMERGENCY signal that you need to be seen by a spine specialist THE SAME DAY. If you delay, you could suffer permanent paralysis of the nerves that control these functions.

Foot drop:

If you notice that your toe is dragging as you walk, this is a DANGER SIGNAL. If untreated, you risk permanent damage to the nerves. A spine specialist should exam this condition within 24 hours.
Any weakness, numbness or pain that extends below a knee or below an elbow is a serious symptom. Seek an evaluation at a spine center within 48 hours.

Home >> Spine Problems

Spine Problems

The vast majority of back problems get better on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. It is important to know a few warning signs that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Loss of control of the bowel or bladder, or retention of urine, may indicate potentially dangerous damage to the spine's cauda equina nerves. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves in the low back where the spinal cord ends. Damage to these nerves can be permanent if not treated quickly – within a day or so. A spine specialist should exam this condition within 24 hours; otherwise go to an emergency room if necessary.

Weakness or numbness in a leg or arm, especially if it is severe — and it is getting worse — also points to nerve damage. This includes "foot drop," a condition where the muscles of the leg and foot are too weak to raise the foot up as the individual attempts to walk. If not treated immediately, possible permanent nerve damage may occur. Once again, a spine specialist should exam this condition within 24 hours; otherwise go to an emergency room if necessary.

Any numbness, pain or tingling that radiates into an arm or leg is also a source for concern and should be seen within a few days by a spine specialist.

High fever accompanied by back pain, may indicate a possible infection of the spine and should be seen within 24 hours.

A note of encouragement:

80% of the time, back and neck pain is simply the result of a strain or soft tissue injury. In many of these simple cases of back or neck strain, you will get better with specialized exercises, rest, and anti-inflammatory medicine. There are other cases in which you may need to see a doctor, sometimes ASAP.

Select above to access our exercise library.