Dr. Mascarinas noted another sign is if pain persists for 4-6 weeks. “70% of cases of disc herniations in the general population have significant improvement of back and leg pain within 4-6 weeks. Therefore, if symptoms are not improving, a spine specialist can evaluate symptoms and perform a physical exam, obtain x-rays or more advanced imaging if indicated, and offer other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections that may help alleviate symptoms.”

Dr. Mascarinas said persistent back pain after a minor accident can be an issue. "Persistent back pain following a seemingly minor incident could be a sign of a lumbar fracture, and an x-ray or MRI would be helpful to confirm diagnosis. Especially for those with a history of osteopenia or osteoporosis whose bones are more fragile, minor trauma can cause lumbar fractures."

Dr. Khormaee explained signs of a rare condition, "If you have tingling or numbness in the groin area and lose the ability to go to the bathroom normally, this can be a sign of what is called cauda equina syndrome. This condition occurs when there is compression on the nerves at the base of the spinal column.”

Dr. Khormaee said agility changes in fingers and hands may be a sign to see a spine specialist. She explained, "The vertebrae in your upper back and neck connect your spinal column to your arms, hands and fingers. Changes in the area can affect your ability to carry out tasks that require the use of your hands. "People may notice that they have problems with buttons or zippers. Another thing that I sometimes hear from patients is that their handwriting has changed. Similar to the concerns seen in the lower spine, these symptoms can be caused by a number of different types of spinal problems. A spinal specialist can perform a physical exam and may offer scans such as X-rays, MRIs or CTs to determine the source of the problem."

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Dr. Khormaee explained, “Scoliosis refers to a general curvature of the spine. People with scoliosis have a three-dimensional curvature of the spine that has some degree usually of asymmetry.”

Some people might observe asymmetry somewhere else on the body. According to Dr. Khormaee, a shoulder may be higher than the other, a shoulder blade may be more prominent than the other, a bump on the back that may be higher on one side, or a hip that might be higher than the other.

“Scoliosis is so individual - every patient and person is different and how they conceptualize their scoliosis is personal. That said, after surgery there is oftentimes a very dramatic change and some patients find this gives them a more positive outlook or more confidence,” she added.

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