If a certain part of your body is constantly sore and in pain, it could be a sign of underlying health issues that require pain management. A doctor can identify the root cause of these problems and offer the right treatment to boost comfort. Here are a few situations when you should see a doctor about pain:
Persistent Pain
If the pain lasts for more than a few days without improving, you could be dealing with health conditions like arthritis and nerve compression. With persistent soreness, you might find it difficult to walk, sit, or sleep. This type of pain may worsen and won’t respond well to over-the-counter pain medications, making you more uncomfortable. A doctor may use X-rays or MRIs to identify the exact location and intensity of the swelling and inflammation. Once they find the root cause of this problem, they can suggest nerve blocks or injections to control the symptoms.
Severe Soreness
Sharp, stabbing, and throbbing are some characteristics of severe pain that affect your arm, back, or other body parts. If you have severe inflammation or fractures, you can experience intense soreness that makes it hard to move. Serious pain that doesn’t get better with rest and worsens with certain postures might indicate nerve damage. If you are experiencing severe pain, a doctor can order ultrasounds to diagnose the condition. They can come up with a pain management plan, such as physical therapy and medications to lessen the soreness.
Additional Symptoms
Back pain with numbness in the legs indicates a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, where the spinal nerves are compressed. If your neck is painful and your arms are numb, the cause could be a bone spur or disc herniation. Pain that comes with muscle weakness could be a sign that muscles or joints have suffered significant damage.
A healthcare provider administers epidural steroid injections to lessen inflammation and soreness. Another remedy is platelet-rich plasma, which stimulates healing for injured tissues. A medical professional may also recommend regular physical therapy exercises to improve muscle function and reduce weakness.
Spreading Pain
When pain starts in one area and then spreads to other parts of your body, it’s a sign of nerve issues. Back pain that radiates down the legs may indicate nerve compression in your lower back, causing tingling and weakness. People who have migraines or tension headaches experience pain in one part of the head, which moves to the other side. If you have these issues, a doctor examines your head and muscles for various types of injuries. Therapies and lifestyle changes can provide relief, depending on how far the pain has spread. A physician may prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate muscle spasms associated with radiating pain.
Also Read: Repairing a Herniated Disc With Disc Surgery
Get a Comprehensive Pain Management Plan
If you have any form of pain, whether serious or mild, see a doctor to prevent the issue from getting worse. This professional will examine you and use imaging tests to identify how intense the symptoms are. Call a trusted clinic today to get a pain management plan.