Are You Currently Experiencing Pain?

HEAD PAIN: Though often associated with minor conditions that don’t require direct physician care, fever, nausea and/or headaches can be indicative of more serious issues including possible infection of the spine and/or meningitis – especially if these symptoms present in conjunction with back pain, recent trauma or other symptoms.

NECK PAIN: The neck is the least protected part of the spine and therefore is particularly susceptible to injury – be it from trauma, osteoarthritis, a compressed nerve or simply muscle or ligament strain. Persistent neck pain can be caused by injury, or as a result of a muscle or ligament strain. Neck pain that presents in combination with pain that radiates further down the body may be a strong indicator of a more serious condition.

BACK PAIN: Most of the time, back and neck problems are the result of a strain or soft tissue injury and don’t require surgery. But some symptoms can indicate the possibility of a more serious condition.

Pain that remains isolated to the lower back is typically a sign of muscle strain. But if lower back pain continues for more than a few weeks, it could be indicative of axial low back pain – and could require more specialized treatment.

Severe back pain, or an inability to stand up straight, can be the sign of a wide range of serious injuries including compression fractures, spondylolisthesis, arthritis or spinal stenosis – but again, in most cases, is simply the result of a strain or sprain.

ARM PAIN: A disc herniation in the neck can occur at any age, but is most likely after adolescence. Most people experience some arthritic changes during adulthood, which can predispose them to such a herniation. If you are experiencing pain that radiates down into your arm, it can indicate the possibility of a herniated disc and may require treatment.

BOWEL/BLADDER ISSUES: A loss of bowel or bladder control could be a symptom of spinal stenosis, pressure on your spinal cord, commonly caused by a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, spinal tumors or damage due to injury or trauma. Pay special attention if loss of bowel or bladder control presents in conjunction with back pain, recent trauma, numbness or other symptoms. If any of these conditions exist, or if you have any reason to believe that your loss of bowel or bladder control are related to a back injury, you should go to the emergency department immediately. You may have a very serious condition which requires immediate medical attention.

HAND PAIN: Pain, tingling or numbness in the wrist, hand or fingers can be associated with a wide variety of conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome (which can be caused by repetitive use or injury) and rheumatoid arthritis to diabetes and other hormonal disorders.

When experienced in conjunction with back pain or other symptoms, hand pain can also be an indicator of a more serious condition.

LEG PAIN: A disc herniation in the lumbar spine can occur at any age but is most likely after adolescence. Most people experience some arthritic changes during adulthood, which can predispose them to such a herniation. Such a disc herniation usually leads to pain radiating down the leg, into the upper buttock, or one side of the back. Weakness of one or more muscles in the leg is seen sometimes as well.

KNEE PAIN: Pain in and around your knee joint is most commonly caused by arthritis. However, there are many other possible causes as well, including tendonitis, ligament injuries, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Weakness, numbness or pain around the knee experienced in conjunction with other symptoms may also be indicative of a more serious condition.