When To See A Doctor for Back Pain

Many individuals experience back pain, at least on occasion. But when is it a discomfort and when could it potentially be something more serious? A good rule of thumb when it comes to back pain is that its bark is much worse than its bite. However, it's always a good idea to visit a chiropractor or doctor if you're concerned.

Fortunately, most back pain goes away on its own, especially if the cause is muscular. Perhaps you pulled a muscle while exercising or sat in a slouched position for too long. These aches and sores should naturally disperse in a few days or weeks.

If the pain persists, you may be facing chronic back pain — which can cause quite a bit of discomfort for extended periods of time. However, this pain is rarely indicative of poor health. People tend to think that the more their back hurts, the more serious their condition is. But in reality, pain intensity is a poor indicator of the severity of back pain. Many ominous cases — ones in which the back pain is caused by spinal cord trauma, progressive illnesses, fractures or other injuries — are actually the least painful.

If you're experiencing back pain, what are the warning signs that you may need to visit a doctor? Here are a few symptoms you should have checked out.

The pain persists for over six weeks
The pain is getting worse
You're in an accident in which your back may have been injured
You experience incontinence or numbness in the groin area

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that something is wrong, but if they're present, it's a good idea to visit your doctor to examine that source of your pain.

If you need to visit a doctor, ensure that he or she is in your health insurance network so you can get the most benefits from your policy.

Your health is our priority. Call First Insurance Group at (800) 511-2892 for more information on Kentucky health insurance.

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