Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, symptoms should never be ignored. Back pain symptoms may range from a muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pains, limited flexibility, limited range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

Here are four important warning signs to look out for:

• Pain involving weakness, numbness or tingling: This could mean damage to the spinal cord.

• Pain that stretches down to the back of the leg(s): Back pain that goes down this way can be a symptom of sciatica. This is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the largest in the body.

• Pain that increases over time rather than decreasing: After a period of time in which the pain still has not only gone away but also gotten worse, it is definitely time to seek the attention of a spine specialist.

• Pain surging when bending or coughing: As if the back pain wasn’t unpleasant enough, shots of pain from coughing or bending could be an indicator of a herniated disc.

If you experience any or all of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment as they may indicate a serious spinal condition. Cantor Spine treats patients across every age and spinal condition – adult, teen, adolescent, and pediatric – stressing both non-surgical and surgical options (primarily, minimally-invasive procedures resulting in lower risks, better outcomes, and quick recoveries).

If you, or a loved one, are facing any of these conditions (including the most complex adult and pediatric deformity cases), please call to schedule an appointment. Our mission is simple – to deliver the best care, and change lives for the better. For more information, to schedule an appointment or for a second opinion, please call (954) 567-1332.