When to Seek Orthopedic Care for Sports-Related Back Pain

Maybe you’ve revved up your workouts to reach a new personal record. Maybe you’re training harder for your next competition. Or maybe you landed awkwardly in your last game.

Now, your back is hurting. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, but when you’re an athlete, it’s not always easy to know if the pain you’re feeling is a sign of something more serious.

Unfortunately, back pain is very common — and you shouldn’t ignore it. Back injuries can limit your performance and keep you out of the game. Getting the care you need is the key to healing.

The doctors at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County can help. Board Certified Spine Surgeon Nicholas Schroeder, MD and our team provide comprehensive care for back pain, so you can get back to the activities you love.

Not sure if your pain warrants a trip to an orthopedic specialist? Here are some signs it’s time to schedule that appointment.

You suffered an injury

Sports injuries happen all the time, no matter what game you play. If you suffered an injury during a game or a workout and now you have back pain, consider scheduling an orthopedic evaluation. Getting checked out right away is the best way to get an effective treatment plan and make sure your injury doesn’t get worse.

Your symptoms impact your game

Back pain isn’t always triggered by an obvious injury. Sometimes, injuries develop more slowly and before you realize it, your pain is much worse.

If you have a degenerative back injury like a herniated disc, you might notice that your strength and flexibility aren’t what they used to be. Seeking treatment helps uncover the underlying cause, so you can boost your performance again.

Your pain isn’t going away

Most cases of back pain resolve within a few weeks. If yours lingers for months or even years, it’s considered chronic — and it calls for a professional evaluation. Chronic back pain can be a sign of an underlying condition that would benefit from specialized orthopedic care.

Your primary care doctor recommends a specialist

Your primary care doctor might be your first call when you suffer an injury, and it’s a good place to start. They review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Depending on what they find, they might prescribe medication, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments. But if your doctor can’t identify the cause of your pain or they think you might have a more serious condition, they might refer you to an orthopedic specialist.

Our team at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County is equipped to diagnose and treat a range of complex spine conditions. We work with you to pinpoint the cause of your pain and find a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms and gets you active again.

Don’t wait to see if your pain goes away on its own. Schedule an appointment with our specialists online or call the office nearest you today.