8 Signs It's Time to See a Chiropractor for Back and Neck Pain

If you suffer from back and neck pain, you need to know when it's time to seek care. Click to find out signs you should see a chiropractor today!

A little back and neck pain here and there is relatively normal. That being said, it can be extremely dangerous if it isn't properly treated. You need to know when it's time to see a chiropractor.

It can be difficult, though, because you don't want to go in when it's nothing and you don't want to wait until it's too late.

We're here to help. We've compiled a list of 8 signs that you should see a chiropractor as soon as possible.

Back and Neck Pain: Should You See Someone?

Most of the issues pertaining to the back and neck are able to be resolved within six weeks of being diagnosed. At the same time, they must be treated in order to improve-- otherwise, you run the risk of making them worse.

Take the signs listed below seriously and see a chiropractor if any apply to you.

1. Your Pain Has Stuck Around

As a general rule of thumb, if your pain has been going on for more than 6 weeks, you should go see someone.

Even if the pain is manageable if it could signify a deeper issue if it stays for a month and a half. At the very least, going in to see someone will allow you to get it fixed and resolve the pain.

2. Your Pain is Getting Continually Worse

Most back pain will have a short time of getting worse, followed by a long period of improvement. If you're experiencing pain that is continually getting worse or doesn't level out after the first few days, you should seek attention.

This is a good indicator that the problem you're having is getting worse as you move your body, meaning that you need to address the issue soon or there's no chance of it healing quickly.

3. Difficulty Standing or Sitting

Poor posture could be the source of a lot of your troubles with sitting or standing. If you can't do those activities for more than an hour or two at a time, you should seek chiropractic care.

There are a number of things that could contribute to difficulty standing, but your occupation is the main one. If you work a job that requires you to sit constantly, you should see a chiropractor even if you don't have pain.

They'll give you tips as to what you can do to prevent any injuries from occurring.

4. Sharp Pain in Lower Back

Any time you experience a sharp pain, especially in the lower back, you should seek attention. There could be a number of causes for this, so it's difficult to give a general assumption of what might be causing the pain.

The issue is typically associated with some kind of issue with the mechanics of your spine. That could mean a disc issue, misalignment, or something more serious.

In any of those cases, the pain has the potential to get a lot worse.

5. Pain or Numbness on One Side

If you're experiencing a pain or numbness down one side of your body, you could be suffering from a slipped disc. Symptoms usually extend outward to different areas of the body because a slipped disc can place undue pressure on one of the main nerves of the body.

If the disc is in the lower back, it is the sciatic nerve in many cases.

6. Sharp Upper Back Pain

If you're having a stabbing sensation in your upper back, you could be suffering from spasms. A back spasm occurs when you have a preexisting injury and your back is attempting to protect itself from further assault.

That being said, spasms often cause a sharp pain somewhere in the back. This is usually caused by a slipped disc somewhere along your spine.

7. If Your Neck Pain Comes With Loss of Feeling in Limb

Herniated discs in your neck have a likelihood of leading to nerve compression. Nerves tend to branch out and down from the spinal chord, with many of the most central nerves running through the neck.

You have a lot to lose from damage to your neck, so it is wise to consult with a doctor or chiropractor any time your neck pain comes along with numbness to any part of your body. It's typically the limbs that go numb when discs slip in the neck.

8. You're Having Headaches

Sometimes a headache can be solved with a little aspirin and some sleep. Other times, the cause is rooted somewhere much deeper. You don't want to play around when it comes to the condition of your neck and brain.

If you're having unexplainable headaches, especially if they are accompanied by neck or back pain, it would be wise to see a professional. Headaches can be caused by lack of hydration, nutrition, or oxygen to the brain. In other cases, they could be caused by an issue with the alignment of your spine or neck.

Neck and Spinal issues typically contribute to reduced blood flow, which leads to a lack of oxygen to the brain. A chiropractor will be able to adjust your vertebrae in order to get things back on track.

Consider Going in For a Routine Checkup

The pain caused by spinal and neck issues ranges wide beyond the neck and back. There are a lot of symptoms that you would never suspect were caused by spinal difficulties.

It's wise to go in and get checked out, even if you don't have any noticeable pain in the back or neck. Doing so will serve as a great preventative action for the issues of the future.

Who knows? You could already have an alignment issue that isn't showing symptoms. Copays are usually very low, and check-ups are quick and easy- do yourself a favor and have your back examined.