Back pain is big business in the United States. It costs billions of dollars in health care costs and more in lost time from work and disability claims. When you have back pain and go to the doctor, there are 11 red flags you doctor needs to look for. If you have one of those, you need more extensive evaluation. Be ready when you go to tell the doctor the things that help them make correct decisions for your care.
1. There are 11 red flags with back pain. If you have one of these, sending you home with medication isn't an option. Those red flags are: Recent fever, recent prednisone therapy, recent major fall (off of a ladder), recent minor fall but over 50 years old, history of cancer, History of IV drug use, diagnosis of arthritis, over 70 years old, weakness/numbness in legs, trouble controlling urine or feces, Pus discharge from penis or vagina, heavy alcohol use, Blood in urine, night sweats, headache. These are more than 11 but a couple could be grouped together. I wanted you to know all the variations.
2. If you are going to a new doctor and you have a history of back pain, bring your medication bottles, notes from other physicians, copies of x-rays, and any summaries of prior hospitalizations for this problem.
3. Expect that the physician will want to see you stand, sit, walk normally and on heels, toes and tandem walk (heel to toe). An assessment of your ability to bend front, back, side to side and twist should be done. Your legs should be extended and lifted up to assess nerve root pain. Your reflexes should be evaluated at the knee, ankle and bottom of the foot. Palpation of your back muscles, and vertebrae should be done also. You may have urine and blood tests done, but may not need x-rays, depending on why your back hurts and for how long it has hurt.
I invite you to learn more from Bruce L Bair, wellness coach and Certified Physician Assistant.
Consider listening to a free teleseminar hosted by Bruce. You can sign up for seminars and get special reports on his blog http://www.GettheSkinney.com
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