Despite being a very common ailment, general back pain is surprisingly complex, with a myriad of causes – from arthritis to nerve and muscular problems. Although many people can manage their pain with medication, some find their symptoms fail to respond to non-invasive measures. When this occurs, leading back surgeon NJ has to offer, Dr. Rovner, will locate the cause of your discomfort and help you find a long-term solution – one that targets the underlying problem and can save you years of discomfort.
Does your back pain require treatment?
Fortunately, most back pain resolves itself with time. After a little rest and some ice or heat therapy, many people are back on their feet within a few days. If this is your experience, you probably don’t need to see a doctor for your back pain.
However, if your discomfort is severe, constant and not improving with conservative or non-invasive measures, you should take action. This is known as chronic back pain, and it could be indicative of a serious spinal problem that needs to be addressed. In general, you’ll want to seek out a New Jersey back surgeon if:
- Your symptoms persist longer than three months
- Your discomfort is accompanied by leg pain, weakness or numbness
- Your symptoms develop suddenly without an apparent cause
- You have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder
- The pain wakes you at night
When is surgery necessary?
When treating back pain, conservative measures are always tried first. Any qualified spine surgeon will recommend time, pain relievers, ice and heat therapy, and physical therapy before turning to a surgical procedure.
However, if your pain persists or worsens with non-invasive treatment approaches, a surgical procedure may be in your best interest. This is especially true if your back pain is associated with discomfort and numbness that affects the arms and legs as well. These symptoms tend to be caused by irritated and compressed nerves – a problem that requires surgery for permanent relief.