While there are many reasons for back pain, some are more cause for concern than others. If you are one of the many people who have tension or discomfort in your lower back, you are probably wondering “How do I know if my back pain is serious?”
First, have a look at these four common causes of low back pain and see if your pain may be classified as chronic. Next, read our guide to back pain below. It will tell you which symptoms are serious, as well as a look at some of your best treatment options.
The Pain Is Unbearable
If you suffer a fall or accident and you experience lower back pain, see a doctor immediately. Extreme pain or pressure can be a sign of a serious back problem, including a spinal cord injury. Chronic back pain can also be a symptom of a more concerning issue. If you cannot sleep, work, or walk because of your recurring tension or discomfort, it is time to make an appointment with a physician.
The Pain Lasts for a While
Excruciating pain is a reliable sign of a serious back problem, but Spine Health says you should also consider how long you have been having symptoms. Minor injuries, such a pulled lower back muscle, should feel better with a few days of at-home care. Try resting or doing treatments such as hot or cold therapy for about a week. If discomfort does not improve, it is time to see a medical professional for a more accurate diagnosis.
The Pain Gets Worse
Some back problems do not cause unbearable pain, but they are still serious. For example, lumbar degenerative disc disease presents symptoms that can be described as a dull aching. While it is possible to manage the chronic discomfort, symptoms are still causing damage to the discs of the lumbar spine. It is never a good idea to ignore the pain that lasts for weeks or months.
If you are unsure whether to be concerned about your back pain, talk to your primary care provider. They can take a look at your lower back, evaluate your medical history, and decide if you need to see a specialist for a more thorough evaluation.
Talk to a Doctor
By now, you are probably able to determine if your lower back pain may be serious or not. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor. In addition to a physical examination, they will ask you if you have suffered a recent injury, do any heavy lifting at work, or play sports. Some causes of lower back pain include kidney infections, arthritis, and sciatica, so it is always helpful to your overall health to stay informed about what is going on with your body.
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
Developments in technology and medicine have made it possible to reduce or even relieve lower back pain. A cutting-edge, new therapy known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level light therapy or LLLT, is one way for you to get relief from your symptoms. Devices with PBMT technology are able to penetrate the skin and modulate pain and inflammation, without the use of pharmaceuticals or invasive treatments.
In just a few minutes per day, the non-ionizing light sources provided through your laser light therapy belt will help decrease your symptoms of tension, aching, and swelling while improving the flow of blood and oxygen in the muscles of your back.
Choose from three levels of coverage, including our CuraviUltra™ belt with great coverage and up to 420 mW of total output, our CuraviPlus™ belt with excellent coverage and up to 800 mW total output, or the CuraviPro™ belt, our premier device with up to 1000 mW of professional-grade coverage. All purchases of Curavi™ laser therapy belts made on www.curavi.com have a No-Risk 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Since the temporary relief from pain can be felt within minutes of treatment, you will know if Curavi is right for you within a short amount of time.
Whichever you choose, your belt will allow you to treat your symptoms both conveniently and effectively. Along with wearing your laser therapy device as directed, keep in contact with your primary care physician or back specialist. They will help you continue to evaluate your symptoms as you move toward your goal of back pain relief.
