Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

If you notice that there’s water leaking from a pipe in your basement or that the check engine light in your vehicle is on, you take care of these issues swiftly so that they don’t snowball into much bigger problems. However, that same mindset doesn’t hold true for many when it comes to their spine health. Oftentimes patients will put off professional treatment for weeks, months or even years, and by the time they finally come in, their condition is much worse than when it first began.

But why do many people wait months or longer to get care for their ailing spine? In today’s blog, we look at some of the reasons why many people aren’t quick to head to the doctor for care.

Why Do People Delay Medical Care?

There are a number of different reasons why patients may opt to put off getting to the doctor despite dealing with chronic discomfort that impacts their daily life. Some of the most common excuses that we hear include:

• Assumed It Would Go Away – Many people assume that dull or mild back pain will eventually go away on its own. It’s certainly possible to manage back pain on your own without professional help, but that doesn’t mean you should just ignore the problem and keep doing the same activities that led to the issue in the first place. If you’re going to try to treat the problem on your own, be sure you’re actually making positive changes in your life or following a recommended treatment program.
• Too Expensive – There’s no denying that medical visits can be expensive. We try to keep our costs reasonable, but more than that, we ensure that we give each and every patient the time and attention they deserve so that they feel like the visit was worth it. We want to help you get the treatment you need to put your medical issue in the past once and for all. Treating problems before they become major issues can also end up saving you money in the long run, so don’t overlook the value of treating an injury early.
• Too Busy – Others will say that they are simply too busy to set up an appointment, take time off of work and follow through with a care plan that may include physical therapy sessions or other proactive interventions. We understand that you’re busy, but you shouldn’t have to go through your busy day with chronic pain. Carving out a little time to get a diagnosis and treatment plan can make you much more efficient because you’ve conquered your pain. Put yourself first and prioritize your health, and you may notice a big decrease in symptoms and improvement in your overall quality of life.
• Assume It’s Normal – Back pain is incredibly common, especially in older adults, but that doesn’t mean your discomfort is “normal.” Even if you’re dealing with something like age-related spinal degeneration, your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and provide recommendations for managing your condition or slowing its progression so that you can maintain independence and an active lifestyle.
• Fear Of A Serious Diagnosis – We understand why you might not want to come see a doctor out of fear of receiving bad news, but putting it off isn’t going to make the problem go away. The sooner you talk to a doctor, the sooner treatment can begin, and this will greatly increase your risk of successful management. A treatable condition can become unsolvable if you delay care, so don’t keep burying your head in the sand when it comes to your spine health.

Don’t let one of these reasons hold you back from getting the care you need. Let us get to the bottom of your spine pain and set you up with a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. For more information, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Sinicropi and his team, give us a call today at (651) 430-3800.

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