Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Back injuries are incredibly common, but because they are so common, many people oftentimes assume that they aren’t all that big of a deal. Many people choose to try and push through their discomfort with the mindset that eventually their spine will start to feel better. This is rarely the best path forward, although it can be successful for very minor back issues.

Without the right treatment, it’s not uncommon for back injuries to get worse, which can lead to a number of related issues, like more discomfort and higher medical bills for more hands-on treatment. We advise that you take any and all back injuries seriously, but we also think you should know some of the signs that suggest your back injury is getting worse. In today’s blog, we share five warning signs that your back injury is actually getting worse instead of better.

Signs That Your Back Problem Is Getting Worse

If you find that you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment with your primary care physician or a spine specialist to get an official diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

1. Increased Pain – The first and most obvious indication that your back issue is becoming more problematic is worsening discomfort. Pain tends to be at its strongest right when the injury occurs or within the first few hours. It may not completely heal in a day, but many people with minor or mild back issues find that pain levels are starting to improve after 24-48 hours. If you find that your pain is actually going in the other direction, you need to visit a doctor.
2. Decreased Mobility – If you are finding that it’s becoming harder to stay as mobile as normal, you’ll want to have your back issue examined by a specialist. If you’re having range of motion issues when twisting or moving your back, or you’re finding it difficult to remain balanced while walking, it’s a sign that there may be more going on with your spine than originally thought.
3. Radiating Pain – If your pain is starting to affect other areas of your body, it’s an indication that there is an issue that warrants your attention. Oftentimes this suggests that a spinal nerve is being compressed and is causing symptoms to radiate to your arms or legs. Left untreated, nerve damage can become more severe, making it harder or even impossible for these radiating symptoms to resolve.
4. Fever – Back pain can be a symptom that develops when you’re dealing with a cold, so having a fever and back pain isn’t always a major cause for concern if you are getting over a sickness. However, if you recently had a surgical procedure or a spinal injection and you develop a fever alongside your back discomfort, you’ll want to reach out to your spine care professional. In these instances, a fever can be indicative of an infection, and you’ll want to treat that with antibiotics before it causes any more issues for your body.
5. Bladder Issues – Finally, if you begin to experience issues in the bathroom while dealing with a back injury, connect with a medical professional. Nerve issues in the lower back can sometimes affect our ability to hold or release urine, so it’s not uncommon for back injuries to also present with bladder issues. If you are experiencing any bladder issues, don’t assume they will just go away on their own. Connect with a back specialist and figure out the best treatment plan for your condition.

While these are all helpful symptoms to watch for, when it comes down to it, any new or worsening symptoms should suggest that you could benefit from a medical consultation. As we mentioned in the first bullet point, symptoms tend to improve as time goes on. If your symptoms have gotten worse or new symptoms have developed, it’s time to call in professional help.

For assistance with a back issue in the greater Twin Cities area, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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