Back pain can make it very difficult to carry out everyday activities. Patients often defer going to the doctor. Some take over-the-counter medication to manage the pain or just wait for it to dissipate naturally.
This can lead to long-term consequences, especially if your pain is intense and recurring. It is a good idea to visit a reputed neurology clinic in Las Vegas, NV like Radar Medical for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Why Do You Have Back Pain?
Different people experience back pain for various reasons. Some types are caused by poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle and can be eliminated by doing some stretches and exercise every day.
However, others can have more serious underlying causes, which is why it is essential to visit a doctor. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why you might experience severe back pain:
- Accident or Injury – An accident or injury can cause sprains or bruising, which can cause back pain until the injury is completely healed.
- Lifestyle Causes – Smoking, lack of physical activity and exercise, obesity can lead to lower back pain. Therefore, cutting back on smoking is a vital aspect of dealing with chronic lower backache.
- Lumbar Disc Herniation – A herniated disc can cause sharp, stabbing pain that runs down the back of your legs. This happens when the gel-like interior of the disc leaks or bulges, which can irritate the surrounding nerves, muscles, and joints.
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease – This is a chronic health concern that happens when the spinal discs degenerate due to wear and tear.
- Osteoarthritis – Patients suffering from this feel intense pain every time they move or bend. In addition, it can also lead to bone spurs that pinch nerve roots and cause pain along the back of the legs.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction – When the sacroiliac joint is subjected to excessive or too little movement, it can cause back pain and numbness, especially in the lower back and legs.
Your general physician will conduct a thorough examination to understand the extent of the problem before recommending a treatment option.
After that, depending on the cause and severity of the condition, your family physician may refer you to an experienced neurologist in Las Vegas, NV. Many doctors throughout Las Vegas refer their patients to Dr. Russell Shah. He treats a wide range of neurological problems and provides tailored treatments to his patients.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
Most people dismiss back pain unless it severely hampers their lifestyle. No one likes to visit a doctor unnecessarily, but sometimes putting off a visit can exacerbate the condition. Here are some of the signs you need to look out for:
- Duration – If your pain lasts for more than a week or keeps flaring up over an extended period, you need to visit a doctor.
- Pain Medication – When even over-the-counter medication doesn’t work, in this situation, you need specialized treatment.
- Pain Spreads to Legs – If the pain spreads down the back of your legs, especially below the knee, seek treatment.
- Numbness – Numbness and a tingling sensation in the legs are also indicative of disc or spinal damage.
- Swelling and Redness – These are adverse reactions of the body to an injury or infection. If swelling and redness are accompanied by intense back pain, you would need immediate medical attention from the best neurologist in Las Vegas, NV.
- Weight Loss – Back pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss is also a cause for concern. If you experience weight loss because you’ve been working out and eating healthy, but suffer from back pain, a change in your workout routine might help. However, if both the back pain and weight loss are happening without reason, it’s best to visit a reputed Las Vegas neurology clinic like Radar Medical.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control – Poor bladder and bowel control indicate that the muscles and nerves in your pelvic region have become weak and aren’t responding as expected. This may require a visit to the emergency room and needs future sessions with an experienced Las Vegas neurologist like Dr. Russell Shah.
- Fever – If your pain is accompanied by a high fever, you need to visit an emergency room. This can be due to infection or an illness like cancer.
Above all, these symptoms require a visit to the doctor to get treatment for the pain and to ensure your back is in good shape. In other words, don’t delay in seeking medical attention at this stage because that can aggravate the problem.
How Can A Las Vegas Neurologist Help?
Most people visit their GP for back pain treatment, but sometimes a neurologist in Las Vegas is a better alternative. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting a neurologist:
- Specialization – Neurologists have expertise in diagnosing neck and back pain. Similarly, they can determine the root cause of the problem, explain the risks, and recommend safe treatment options.
- An alternative to Surgery – Most general practitioners and surgeons lean towards surgical treatments for acute back pain. But the best neurologists in Las Vegas like Dr. Shah are more conservative in their approach. They are always open to non-surgical options and recommend surgery only if it is absolutely necessary.
- Long-Term Care – A neurologist in Las Vegas, NV will provide long-term support and care to a patient suffering from long-term pain. This helps with pain management and ensures the patient has a better quality of life.
In conclusion, Dr. Russell Shah takes the time to understand the root cause of the problem and provides effective treatments. He can help eliminate your back pain entirely or make it more manageable. If you want to know more about our services, however don’t hesitate to call Radar Medical at 702-644-0500 or get in touch through our contact us form.