If you’re wondering what happens when back pain is left untreated, it depends on the cause of the problem. A sudden onset of back pain, as in the case of an acute muscle strain will typically resolve without intervention. Acute issues, however, can easily become chronic when caused by lifestyle issues such as poor posture. In this instance, regularly re-injuring the back can prevent healing, increasing symptoms over the longer term and causing other related issues.
Reasons for leaving back pain untreated
The normal assumption is that most injuries will improve naturally over time. Many of us, therefore, leave the problem to see if it will resolve. Add to this the effort it takes to consult a clinician and frequently we ignore an issue, even it it impacts our quality of life. Another reason is that we’re often afraid to consult a qualified practitioner, for fear of knowing the extent of the issue.
Risks
Although uncommon, one of the biggest dangers of leaving back pain untreated is that you may have a serious underlying pathology, which required immediate medical attention. Although this generally isn’t the case, getting screened early is always advisable.
Another issue with leaving back pain untreated is when it’s a progressive condition. In this instance, the longer we leave the issue, the more damage we do to structures within the back. This is especially true where lifestyle factors, such as poor posture, are responsible. Each time we slouch, we may place more pressure on inflamed muscles, joints and nerves, which further compound the issue.
The issue becomes harder to treat when chronic – In health, there is a distinction between acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is classed as symptoms that have been present for 6 weeks or less and chronic pain as symptoms that are over 6 weeks in duration. Chronic issues are notoriously more difficult to treat when you finally do consult a clinician. By this stage, muscles may have developed knots, nerves may have become sensitized and discs may have developed inflammation. Recovery at this stage, even with targeted treatment, will take far longer.
Associated conditions – what starts out as a simple muscular strain can easily morph into something greater. If you don’t receive the right advice and treatment early on, you can easily mismanage the condition, continuing with provoking activities and postures. Moving differently as a protection mechanism can easily place undue pressure on other sensitive structures, like discs and nerves, which can cause associated injuries and a far more complex presentation.
Can back pain last for months?
Although back pain typically resolves fairly quickly, it can often drag into months and even years, especially when left to fester. Back pain is normally fairly manageable at first, coming and going, and is only a mild annoyance. But without consultation, rehabilitation or exercises to heal the problem, it soon becomes a chronic presentation, with a slow deterioration in mobility, an increase in pain and reduced quality of life.
Back pain that comes and goes
For many back pain sufferers, the early days of symptoms are characterised by symptoms that come and go. This is frequently the case when particular postures or positions aggravate the pain. In some cases, sleeping positions may be increasing the symptoms. For others, bending forwards or sitting might be uncomfortable, but resolve as soon as you are up and moving. It’s this intermittent nature of symptoms that cause many people to leave their back pain unchecked.
What can cause lower back pain?
Generally, lower back pain has a gradual or sudden onset. Sudden back pain could be caused by a fall or even by bending down. More often, we’re unaware of what caused our symptoms, in which case, lifestyle factors could be at fault. In terms of structures, there are generally four common offenders:
- Discs
- Nerves
- Joints
- Muscles
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
Some back pain symptoms indicate that a serious pathology is present. Four common examples are below, with this study indicating the common red flags that clinicians should screen during assessment.
- Pins and needles or numbness in both legs – potentially indicating spinal cord compression
- Unsteadiness when walking – potentially indicating spinal cord compression
- Bladder and bowel issues – if you are unable to make it to the toilet in time and can’t control your bladder or bowels, it might be a sign of nerve compression, known as cauda equina compression
- Pins and needles or numbness in your crotch – this altered sensation could indicate that you have nerve compression, known as cauda equina compression
If you have any of the serious symptoms listed above, you should consult a medical professional immediately.
When should I be worried about low back pain?
The vast majority of back pain cases are nothing to worry about and will often heal by themselves within 6 weeks, with relative rest. That means avoiding aggravating activities and keeping active within your pain limits.
Even with more persistent or serious symptoms, you should try to avoid worry, which can lead to further pain.
In all cases of back pain, it’s sensible to seek a consultation as soon as you can. Knowing the cause of the issue can allay any fears you have and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Even if that means simply self-managing, it will avoid any secondary complications that arise from leaving your symptoms untreated.
What happens if back pain is left untreated?
Our natural inclination is to leave aches and pains in the hope that they resolve. This is risky and can easily cause secondary issues or prolonged symptoms. If you have back pain, consult a qualified practitioner as soon as possible to screen for any serious issues and get a rehabilitation programme.