Understanding When Spine Pain Should Be Treated Immediately

You should be comfortable with when chiropractic care is the right thing to use with your condition and when you shouldn't use it. Being familiar with "red flags" in back pain means you can get the right care at the right time. Refer to this guide when you're working with back and neck pain so you're making the best choices and being conscientious about your safety.

Quick Self-Check: Red Flag Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Attention

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your spine pain may need urgent medical evaluation rather than chiropractic care:

•  Major recent trauma (motor car crash, high fall, sporting injury)

•  Progressive weakness in the arm or leg that is becoming more pronounced

• Numbness in the "saddle area" (groin, inner thigh, buttock)

• Loss of bowel or bladder control.

• Shivering and fever, along with severe back pain

• Malignancy history, more so if the back pain is new

• Unintended weight loss (more than 10+ pounds)

• Current use of heroin or methadone

• Over the age of 65 with new, severe back pain

• Long-term steroid drug use

• Intolerable pain that is not subsiding with rest, particularly during the night.

• Such intense pain you are unable to find any resting position

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Pathway Guide of Symptoms: "If You Feel This, Then Do That”

Below is your action plan in various spine pain scenarios:

• Sudden severe back pain with lifting or bending:

• Potential muscle strain
• Try rest, ice, and gentle mobility; see chiropractor in 2-3 days if failing to improve

• Stiff neck with severe headache and fever:

•  Might be due to infection
•  Visit ER within hours (immediately)

• Back pain with weakness in the legs becoming progressively worse:

• Possible nerve compression

• Seek medical evaluation same day

• Numbness in the usual locations, along with recent onset pain in back or both

• Potential serious nerve issue
• Go to ER immediately

• New car crash with chronic neck pain: 

•  Possible whiplash or structural injury 
•  Assess with healthcare practitioner within 24-48 hours

• Back pain with pain during urination or hematuria: 

• Could be associated with the kidneys 
• See physician or urgent care same day

• Back pain with unexplained fever above 101°F:

• Potential spinal infection
• Go immediately to the doctor

• Gradual onset of low back rigidity, worsened in mornings:

• Most probable mechanical low back pain
• Relevant in chiropractic examination within 1-2 weeks

• Tingling in the arm with neck pain but no weakness:

• Possible nerve irritation
•  Watch for 24-48 hours; refer chiropractor if typical

• Pain that is much worse lying down or at night:

• It could be the result of a severe underlying condition
• See a healthcare provider within 24 hours

When Chiropractic Care is Appropriate vs. When Emergency Medical Attention is Indicated

Understanding the right type of care for your situation saves time and ensures safety:

• Mechanical low back pain in the absence of leg symptoms:

•  Chiropractor
•  Most effective initial therapy in the management of pure back pain

• New trauma with possible fracture:

• ER
• X-rays and medical clearance before any manual therapy

• Neck pain with severe headache and light sensitivity: 

• ER 
• Could indicate a serious neurological condition

• Morning pain and chronic joint stiffness: 

• Chiropractor or Family Physician 
• Good candidates for movement therapy and conservative care

• Progressive weakness of the legs with backache over days 

• ER or Urgent Care 
• Emergency medical evaluation with possible imaging

• Sports or gardening-related stiffness and spasms: 

• Chiropractor 
• Ideal for movement reestablishment and manual therapy

• Back pain with fever, chills, and overall sick feeling:

• ER 
• Medical assessment is necessary due to infection suspicions

• Gradually developing neck pain from working at the desk or from poor posture:

• Chiropractor
• Ideal scenario for chiropractic manipulative therapy and ergonomic guidance

• Low back pain in the individual with a history of cancer:  

• Primary care doctor or oncologist in the beginning
• Pre-treatment medical clearance is needed

• Pregnancy-related back pain without complications: 

• Chiropractor with pregnancy experience 
• Safe, effective treatment during pregnancy

Local Care Pathway for South Jordan, UT Residents

Call 911 Immediately If:

• Absence of movement in the arms or the legs after getting injured
• One feels severe chest pain with pain in the back.
• You lost consciousness due to your injury
• Strokes are indicated in you (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• One cannot suddenly control one's bladder or bowels.

Choose Urgent Care or ER If:

• You experience back pain with high fever
• Your leg weakness is becoming more pronounced with each passing hour.
• You have intense abdominal pain with back pain
• Your pain is 9/10 or 10/10 and nothing relieves the pain
• You've had blood clots before and then discover that you have acute severe back pain.

See a Chiropractor If:

• Mechanical back or neck pain with no red flag symptoms
• Your pain is associated with activity and is relieved with rest.
• You prefer drug-free management of pain or desire no use of drugs
• Help is needed in terms of posture, ergonomics, or movement patterns.
• Your pain has continued over multiple weeks with no significant resolution, but is not getting much worse.

What to Expect at Your Chiropractic Evaluation

Your safety is my top priority during every evaluation. Here's what happens:

•  Comprehensive health history — We engage in a discussion regarding your pain, medical history, medications, and any concerning symptoms.

• Neurological screening —  Consists of straightforward examinations designed to assess reflexes, strength, and sensation in the arms and legs.

• Orthopaedic examination —  Includes movement tests in an effort to determine the source of your pain and exclude harmful conditions.

• Differential diagnosis — Making the decision that your condition is appropriate for chiropractic care or needs medical referral

• Safety procedures — Specific instructions when therapy shoulD be stopped and when medical care should be sought

• Care coordination  — Working with your other healthcare providers as needed to provide complete care.

Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in South Jordan

If your back or neck pain is not of the red flag kind, I can treat you effectively and safely. Same-week scheduling is possible at our South Jordan clinic for the overwhelming majority of conditions, and coordination with local medical doctors is conducted closely in the event coordination is necessary. 

Remember: if you're experiencing any red flag symptoms, seek appropriate medical care immediately. Your safety always comes first.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual cases vary, and this content should not be used to self-diagnose or determine treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for proper evaluation and treatment of spine pain.

Emergency Notice: Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening symptoms including loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or inability to move arms or legs after trauma.

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