By Dr. Muhammad Awad
The spine is a complex structure of bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone.
It encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. It is also called the backbone, spinal column, and vertebral column. It supports the head, shoulders, and upper body.
It is, however, affected by a number of conditions that lead to its damage and deterioration. The conditions include tumors, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, abscesses, hematomas, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.
World Health Organization estimates suggest that in 2021, approximately 15.4 million people were living with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Spinal cord disorders lower one’s capacity to perform daily activities, including walking, using one’s hands, physiological emptying of the bowel or bladder, or washing and dressing oneself.
The limitations are compounded by misconceptions, negative attitudes, and physical barriers to basic mobility, restricting independence and full societal participation.
Restrictions in performing activities and participating in meaningful life areas do not result from the condition itself, but from insufficient or inadequate medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive technology access, a high economic burden, and from barriers in the physical, social, and policy environments.
Knowing when to see a spine specialist can help address issues before they become more serious. Here are some signs and situations that indicate it might be time to consult a spine specialist.
Persistent Pain
Chronic Pain: If you experience back or neck pain that persists for more than a few weeks.
Severe Pain: Pain that is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter medications or rest.
Neurological Symptoms
Numbness or Tingling: persistent numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet.
Weakness: weakness in your limbs, making it difficult to walk or perform everyday tasks.
Loss of coordination: difficulty with balance or coordination.
Trauma or injury
Accidents: After a fall, a car accident, or any traumatic injury to your back or neck.
Sports Injuries: persistent pain or symptoms following a sports injury.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
Incontinence: sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, which could indicate a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome.
Diagnosed Conditions
Herniated Disc: If diagnosed with a herniated disc and symptoms are not improving with conservative treatment
Spinal Stenosis: When diagnosed with spinal stenosis and experiencing worsening symptoms.
Scoliosis: If you have scoliosis and notice worsening curvature or pain.
Post-Surgical Complications
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: persistent or new pain following spinal surgery.
Pain radiating to extremes
Sciatica: pain radiating from the lower back down the leg, indicating potential sciatica.
Radiculopathy: pain radiating from the neck down the arm, indicating potential cervical radiculopathy.
Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
Functional Impairment: Difficulty performing daily activities due to back or neck pain.
Medical advice and referrals
Primary Care Referral: If your primary care doctor recommends seeing a specialist.
Specialist Opinion: If advised by another healthcare professional to seek a specialist’s opinion.
Red flag symptoms
Unexplained weight loss is accompanied by back pain, which could indicate a more serious condition.
Fever and Infection: Back pain accompanied by fever, chills, or signs of infection.
Treatment is not working.
Ineffective Conservative Treatment: If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic care have not provided relief.
Consulting a spine specialist ensures you receive a thorough evaluation and an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
The writer is an orthopedic surgeon at UMC Victoria Hospital.
