Nearly 80% of adults deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Your spine supports your body, protects the spinal cord, and helps you bend, twist, sit, and walk. Whether discomfort starts after an injury, develops gradually over time, or keeps returning after activity, persistent pain can make everyday movement difficult.
Occasional back or neck soreness is common, particularly after exercise, lifting, or an awkward movement. But if pain continues despite rest, medication, or other at-home treatments, it may be time for a professional evaluation to identify the source and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Philip Zakko, pain management provider Dr. R. Andrew Lehn, and Physician Assistants Kelly Pandolfo and Barry Cusson take a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment, helping patients find the least invasive path to relief.
Common Causes of Spinal Pain
The spine specialists at Atlantic Orthopaedics are trained to identify and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal osteoarthritis (spondylosis)
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis-related spine issues
- Spinal infections
- Whiplash (neck strain or sprain)
- Spinal cord injuries
Signs It’s Time to See a Spine Specialist
Any of the following five signs may mean something more than routine muscle strain is going on. Because many spine conditions share overlapping symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
1. Your Pain Keeps Coming Back or Is Getting Worse
Maybe your back “goes out” every few months. Or your pain returns whenever you increase your activity. Pain that sticks around, keeps returning, or is becoming more severe deserves attention. These symptoms could be the result of:
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Disc problems
- Spinal instability
- Arthritis
- Previous injuries
- Muscle weakness or movement patterns that place additional stress on the spine
Rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms at home, an evaluation can uncover what’s contributing to the problem and identify treatment options before it has a greater impact on your daily life.
2. Pain Radiates into Your Arms or Legs
Back or neck pain that travels into an arm or leg can indicate that a nerve is irritated or compressed. You may notice:
- Shooting or burning pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Pins and needles sensation
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, bending, or walking
These symptoms can occur with conditions like sciatica, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy, commonly called a pinched nerve. A timely evaluation can help identify the source and reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more severe.
3. You Have New Weakness, Balance Issues, or Changes in Function
Weakness in the arms or legs, trouble with balance, or difficulty walking may signal a more significant spine issue, especially if they are new or progressing. Contact a medical professional right away if you experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden or worsening weakness
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of coordination
- New bowel or bladder changes
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Severe pain after a fall, accident, or other trauma
Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in protecting nerve function and preventing further injury.
4. Pain is Affecting Your Sleep or Daily Life
You don’t have to be in severe pain to benefit from seeing a specialist. If pain is interfering with how you live, work, or move, it’s worth finding out why. Consider seeking care if pain is making it difficult to:
- Sleep comfortably
- Sit or stand for extended periods
- Walk or exercise
- Bend, twist, or lift
- Work or perform household tasks
- Participate in activities you enjoy
If you’re struggling to get comfortable at night or avoiding activities you usually enjoy, a spine specialist can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and understand your options. Treatments may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or other nonsurgical care.
5. Conservative Treatments Haven’t Helped
For many people, ice or heat, stretching, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, or rest provide relief. But sometimes pain lingers, spreads, or begins limiting activities in ways that these measures alone can’t fix.
A spine specialist may recommend additional diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound, to better understand what is causing your symptoms. From there, your care plan may include:
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Targeted spinal injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedures
- Surgery, when appropriate
Surgery is not the first answer for most patients. Our specialists offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments, with recommendations based on your individual condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Don’t Wait to Get Answers About Your Back Pain
Back pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts limiting the activities you enjoy, but it isn’t something you have to just live with. If your symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are getting worse, or are accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling, an evaluation can help provide answers and a path toward relief.
Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine provides comprehensive back, spine, and neck care for patients throughout the Seacoast, with locations in Portsmouth and Dover, New Hampshire, and York, Maine.
Take the first step toward feeling better. Schedule an appointment today.
