Click here for a printable version of the red flag symptoms.
The vast majority of back problems improve on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. There are a few warning signs, however, that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Loss of bowel/bladder control is an EMERGENCY symptom. You need to see a spine surgeon or go to an Emergency Room within 24 hours, or the symptom could become permanent.
Call our office IMMEDIATELY
(610) 372-1140
Numbness, pain or tingling into a leg or arm, especially when it extends below a knee or elbow, could imply a disc problem, and should be seen by a spine specialist within 2 days.
Call our office at (610) 372-1140 or request an appointment
Difficulty moving an arm or leg could imply a disc problem, and should be seen by a spine specialist within 2 days.
Call our office at (610) 372-1140 or request an appointment
Any traumatic fall or car accident could have fractured bones in your spine, or herniated a disc. You should see a spine specialist promptly who may perform X-rays to assess you.
Call our office at (610) 372-1140 or request an appointment
Neck pain with headache/nausea is an EMERGENCY symptom. See a doctor in 24 hours.
Call our office IMMEDIATELY
(610) 372-1140
Did the pain come on after lifting, or after aggressive exercise or sports activity?
Lifting or sports activities can strain muscles, ligaments & tendons, causing painful spasms. Extreme pain can require a spine specialist. Home remedies include anti-inflammatories like Advil/Nuprin, rest, ice and some simple stretching exercises. However, if symptoms don’t improve over 3 days, you need to be assessed by a spine specialist.
Call our office at (610) 372-1140 or request an appointment
Is the pain mostly in your low back, AND accompanied by a FEVER, or making you sick?
Pain in the low back, along with a fever, could be a kidney infection. You should see a spine specialist immediately.
Call our office IMMEDIATELY
(610) 372-1140
Back or neck pain that doesn’t radiate pain or numbness into a leg or arm can be caused by a variety of problems, including a strain of the muscles or ligaments in the back or neck.
Home remedies include anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil or Nuprin, rest, ice and some simple back/neck exercises. Don’t do any exercise that causes an increase in pain.
If pain persists you may need to see a spine specialist. Call our office at (610) 372-1140 or request an appointment
Remember: Those who self diagnose themselves and self treat themselves do so at their own risk. Back and neck pain can arise from a variety of causes and may require a spine specialist to perform diagnostic tests to identify your problem and the best treatment. A spine specialized therapist can also create a home exercise program customized for you.
Here's an encouraging back fact: 80 percent of the time, back and neck pain is simply a result of strain or soft tissue injury. In many of these simple cases of back or neck strain, your condition will improve with specialized exercises, rest, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Other times, you may need to see a doctor, perhaps even as soon as possible. Briefly, here are some rules of thumb to keep in mind about your back or neck problems:
The Reading Neck and Spine Center has developed a front/back Mini-Brochure containing valuable information for patients, referral sources, and case managers. The Mini-Brochure provides information about The Reading Neck and Spine Center, treatment for work related injuries, physician biographies, and resources for how to get back to life in 2016.
To view or print the mini-brochure, click here.
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Download your free copy of our Back to Life Journal, featuring information on the latest treatment options, minimally invasive spine surgery, and home remedies for back and neck pain.
Taking the next step towards a life free of back pain may be easier than you think.
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