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WEST ORANGE, N.J. (PRWEB) August 26, 2020
Sudden pain anywhere in the body typically makes us stop what we’re doing – and that’s especially true when it’s in your back. But is your sudden back pain due to a problem in your spine, or something else?
The short answer is: It depends, says Kaliq Chang, MD, of Atlantic Spine Center.
Low back pain is so prevalent that it’s the second most common reason Americans see a doctor, according to the US National Library of Medicine. But all back pain isn’t created equal, and acute back pain has many various causes – from minor to life-threatening.
“It’s important to understand that sharp back pain isn’t usually serious. Most commonly, it’s caused by something just as sudden, like an injury to the muscles and ligaments that support the back from a fall or from heavy lifting,” explains Dr. Chang, an interventional pain management specialist.
“Your acute back pain might be due to muscle spasms, or to a tear or strain in back muscles and ligaments,” he adds. “Still, while these are the most common triggers, everyone should be aware of the array of possible causes of sudden back pain so they can seek medical care when appropriate.”
Symptoms and causes of sudden back pain
Sudden back pain may seem self-explanatory: it’s sudden, and your back really hurts. But depending on the cause, Dr. Chang says other symptoms can also include pain in your leg, hip or bottom of your foot, or even weakness in your arms or legs.
“Pain isn’t a one-size-fits-all sensation, either,” he adds. “Back pain can also read as tingling and burning, and it can be so severe you’re unable to walk, sit straight or even move.”
What are potential reasons for sudden back pain? According to Dr. Chang, spine-related causes include:
Meanwhile, causes of sudden back pain that are something else – in other words, not spine-related – include:
When to see a doctor
Most back pain, even if it comes on suddenly, lasts from a few days to a few weeks, Dr. Chang says. But how do you know if you should be patient and ride it out, or if you should see a doctor?
Dr. Chang advises calling your doctor immediately if you have:
“To be clear, the majority of back pain isn’t due to anything serious,” Dr. Chang says. “But there are sometimes reasons to worry. Listen to your gut and see a doctor if your sudden back pain doesn’t ease or includes other alarming symptoms.”
Atlantic Spine Center is a nationally recognized leader for endoscopic spine surgery with several locations in NJ and NYC. http://www.atlanticspinecenter.com, http://www.atlanticspinecenter.nyc
Kaliq Chang, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist, double board-certified in interventional pain management and anesthesiology, at Atlantic Spine Center.
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