5 Signs You should See a Back Doctor

Back is not uncommon among men and women, these days. The condition has become more common with people getting busier with their professional lives. Most of us tend to avoid consulting a medical professional. The condition is overlooked as a result of stress and strain in the spine or muscles. Many times heat/ice packs, over the counter pain killers, and sprays or rest provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Now the question is when to visit a back doctor. Here are some signs that suggest you to fix an appointment with a medical professional:

1. Numbness or Tingling

Schedule an appointment with one of the best back doctors if back pain is accompanied by typical pins and needles feeling. This may be a serious indicator of nerve damage. Persisting tingling sensation should take you to a trip to the doctor. The condition if left untreated may lead to permanent disabilities.

2. Night Pain

Do not ignore pain that you experience only at night. It is a sign that you should visit a back doctor. It may be a sign of a sprain, disc degeneration, or a tumor.

3. Pain that Persists

Ninety percent of back pain cases get better within six weeks. So if your pain is a bit more persistent or it’s accompanied by fever, night sweats or unintended weight loss, it’s time to call your doctor, who can do tests to rule out serious issues and prescribe treatment to help you get relief.

4. Trouble Controlling Bladder

Loss of bladder or bowel control accompanied with back pain should not be ignored. It may be a sign of Cauda Equine syndrome, a rare yet serious condition. It is a result of a trauma to spine or herniated disc causing paralysis of nerve roots at the end of the spine.

5. Trouble Walking

Do your feet feel heavy? If you find yourself lifting your foot higher consciously to compensate dragging, you are suffering from foot drop. This condition is usually accompanied by back pain and a sign of nerve issue. Schedule a check-up with a doctor.

3 Ways to Prepare for your First Appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon

Meeting with an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t have to be an intimidating moment. It is natural to have some fears for the first time. You may worry about surgery or other serious treatment options. Don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help prepare to see an orthopedic surgeon:

1. List Down Questions

Before meeting one of the orthopedic surgeons, jot down all of the questions you have in mind in a diary. Do this while at home so that once you step into the office of specialist, you do not forget your concerns. Carry this list along with you to the doctor’s clinic. You may also discuss queries that aren’t a part of your diary but arise in your mind while sitting at the clinic. A good idea is to maintain a list of questions on mobile device. This will help you add to your list of questions as they come to your mind.

2. Record of Pain

Since you are meeting an orthopedic specialist for treatment, it is important to know what you feel, the intensity of pain, the times pain get worse, time when you experience decreased mobility, etc. Maintain a diary of pain  and give this information to the specialist.

3. Bring Documents

Take along all documents, X-Rays, and notes from other doctors. This will help the surgeon to understand your condition well. He can easily narrow down all possible causes and finalize the best treatment options.

Taking your time to prepare yourself will help you get more out of your appointment. Being prepared with documentation and questions in advance is the key to make the most of your meeting.

Keeping in mind, the above mentioned points will save you and your orthopedic surgeon time and efforts.

Recovering from Spine Surgery – What to Expect?

Once your spine surgery is done, it’s time to focus on an important phase - recovery. Body demands some time to return to normal after any surgical procedure. This is how it restores damaged tissues and takes up the original position.

Recovering from spine surgery is time taking process. You must wait a little to help body feel completely healed. The recovery period plays an important role in rebuilding body strength. You must stay positive and have realistic goals. Here’s what to expect and do while recovering from spinal surgery:

Recovery Differs

This differs from one patient to another. The amount of time it takes to return to normal activities varies. Usually, recovery time is faster as compared to younger patients who are in good physical condition. Recovery time can be shortened by maintaining a positive healthy attitude, a well-balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest. Those who smoke or overweight individuals take more time for recovery.

Do not push beyond Instructions of Your Surgeon

The surgeon will provide you with information related on what to expect after spine surgery. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions. When you push yourself too fast after surgery, it leads to setbacks in the process. So make sure you rest.

Age and Recovery

Young individuals are more capable of a faster recovery as compared to their senior counterparts. A number of processes in the body tend to slow down with age. For instance, older people produce less collagen. This is very important for growth of and regeneration of tissue. However, your attitude will help you enjoy a positive experience.

Follow Recommendations of your Surgeon

The surgeon will develop the best possible approach to your recovery. You must adhere to his or her advice on taking medications or time period required to return to a particular activity. Following these instructions will help avoid setbacks and speed up your recovery.