When Back Pain Becomes Serious
By Randi Morse
Low back pain is nothing to laugh at. It can make it difficult to accomplish any of your daily tasks. Often, low back pain is caused by a musculoskeletal problem, and the pain from these problems can be relieved with the right physical therapy or chiropractic treatment. There are times when pain in your lower back, especially pain that radiates to the right side, requires immediate medical attention.
You Have Low Blood Pressure
There is a large artery that goes from your heart into your abdomen. This is known as the aortic artery. If the aortic artery happens to get extremely large, or if it gets extremely weak, you may be dealing with something called an aortic aneurysm. One of the big symptoms of aortic aneurysms is low blood pressure. How often do you check your own blood pressure? Most people only have their blood pressures checked by doctors or nurses when they need medical care. That is why, if you feel some low back pain and have nausea with it, it's a good idea to visit your doctor. Remember that the abdominal or low back pain would come on suddenly, not gradually, if you have an aortic aneurysm.
Weight Loss
It always feels good to lose weight, but if you're not trying to lose weight and seem to be dropping it quickly, there may be a serious problem at hand. There're veins in your low spine that are designed to drain your pelvis. Because of this, bacteria can enter into your spine causing a condition known as vertebral osteomyelitis. It is basically an infection of the spine. Low right back pain and fever are two symptoms, but unexplained weight loss is also a symptom to be aware of. If you have dropped quite a bit of weight recently and have been dealing with back pain on your right side, there is a possibility you could have vertebral osteomyelitis.
Nausea/Vomiting
If you have low back pain on the right side and it slowly starts to radiate around to the front, and you also have nausea or vomiting as a symptom, there's a possibility you have appendicitis. The appendix is located down low on the right side of the abdomen. If it becomes irritated it can cause a great deal of pain and may even rupture. Low back pain on the right side with nausea or vomiting is always an ER-worthy combination.
While it is true that many low back problems can be helped by an experienced chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention anytime you feel as though something in your body just isn't right.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.