Backache
<p><b>When to call the doctor about back pain</b></p>
<p><b>From dull backache to sharp pain</b><br />Back pain is one of the most common medical conditions. According to Pain South Africa, almost one in five South African adults have chronic pain.</p>
<p><br />There are many reasons why your back hurts. Back pain is commonly caused by muscle strains or ligament sprains. Furthermore, obesity and bad posture can put a strain on your back and result in aches and pains.</p>
<p><br />Other possible causes of back pain include:</p>
<p><br />• Arthritis and other changes in your spine as you get older.<br />• Ruptured disc or fractured vertebrae.<br />• A herniated disc when the soft centre of spinal disc slips out of place.<br />• Osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens bones.<br />• Osteomyelitis, a bone infection.<br />• Sciatica, or pain along the path of the sciatic nerve.<br />• Scoliosis, a type of curvature of the spine.<br />• Stenosis, a narrowing of spaces in the spinal column or nerve passages.<br />• Ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis in the spine.<br />• Sacroiliitis, inflammation of the joint between the pelvis and lower spine.</p>
<p><br />The most common type of back pain is acute, meaning it will go away within a few weeks. Chronic back pain however lasts longer than three months. In this case, knowing when to see a doctor for your hurting back is the first step to recovery.</p>
<p><br />Five signs you should see a doctor for your back pain:</p>
<p><br /><b>Your pain doesn't go away or you have shooting pain down your arms or legs</b><br />Over the counter medicine and some rest will usually ease back pain. However, if your pain lasts for more than two weeks and keeps you away from your daily routine or if you have shooting pain down your arms or legs, it's time to see your doctor for further evaluation.</p>
<p><br /><b>Weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms and legs</b><br />Keep track of the areas that tingle, feel weak or go numb and inform your doctor.</p>
<p><br /><b>Night-time pain</b><br />If your pain worsens at night, it could be a sign of something serious. Keep track of your back pain intensity and explain to your doctor.</p>
<p><br /><b>Fever along with back pain or weight loss</b><br />A fever that is over 38°C can be a sign of an infection in the body. Tell your doctor if your back pain is accompanied by a fever or if you experience sudden, rapid weight loss without actively dieting.</p>
<p><br /><b>Problems with balance or controlling your bladder or bowels</b><br />Inform your doctor if you also experience numbness and/or weakness in your hips. This could be an important factor when diagnosing your back problem along with every other symptom that you have.</p>
