The spine is an extremely important part of the body, and when something goes wrong with it, the consequences can be serious. When most people think of spinal problems, they think of severe back pain. However, many other symptoms can indicate a problem with the spine. They include:
- Back pain – The most common symptom associated with back problems is pain. It can be located along the spine itself or even elsewhere on your body if nerves have become damaged. Back pain might also include other symptoms, such as pain that extend into an arm or leg.
- Numbness and tingling – If you experience numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it could be a sign of a spinal problem. These sensations are often described as pins and needles.
- Balance problems – Having problems with balance can be another sign that something is wrong with your spine. This might manifest as feeling unsteady on your feet or having difficulty walking in a straight line.
- Muscle spasms – Muscle spasms are another sign of a spinal issue. These occur when muscles in the body go into sudden, involuntary contractions. These spasms can make it hard to move, and they often come along with pain.
- Muscle weakness – A problem with the spine can affect the nerves that run throughout it, weakening muscles on one side of the body. This is why one arm or leg might be weaker than the other.
- Bowel and bladder problems – If the spinal cord is compressed, it can affect the nerves that control these functions. This can result in difficulty controlling bowel movements and urination and a loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Dizziness – A problem with the spine can cause the nerves that control balance to be affected. This can lead to feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo.
- Headache – A headache is often one of the first symptoms in people who have inflammation of their cervical (neck) spine. This condition is known as “torticollis,” and it can cause severe pain, stiffness, and headaches.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Many spinal problems can be treated if they are caught early enough, but they can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated. If you are unsure whether or not your symptoms might be related to your spine, consult with a spine health professional such as adrspine.com. They will help you figure out what is going on and how best to treat it.