Alarm bells or Red flags: When to see Spine specialist at the earliest.

Not all back and neck pain need detailed investigations and evaluation, as majority of them are self-limiting or their severity can be limited by non-operative measures like physiotherapy and life style changes. However, there are few scenarios where back and neck pain would need more detailed scrutiny. All of the below, mentioned symptoms should initiate an appointment with spine specialist at the earliest. The best spine surgeon in Bangalore, can do a thorough evaluation and do the best spine treatment as appropriate. These include, but not limited to:

1. Radiating pain which is aggravated by movements of back or neck. Which is reproduced or increased by coughing/ sneezing, bending forwards and sitting for certain duration of time.
2. Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or legs
3. Weakness of grip or power in legs. Inability to do certain activities, might indicate pressure on the nerves.  History of dropping things recently, change in hand writing, not able dress self like before etc.
4. Pain in the back, legs, thighs or buttocks which is reproduced every time you stand or sit for certain duration.
5. Pain in the back, legs, thighs or buttocks which is reproduced every time you walk for a certain distance.
6. Any swelling over the back or neck which was not there before or if it is suddenly growing in size, compared to before
7. Back pain or neck pain which wakes you up from sleep (once you have slept- Night pain) Or back pain or neck pain which does not let you sleep.
8. Back pain or neck pain in a patient who has previously been treated for cancer (anywhere in the body).
9. Neck pain which is associated with head ache or severe stiffness in the neck.
10. Severe Neck pain or back pain which is associated with fever.
11. Feeling unsteady during walking. It is important to get this evaluated at the earliest since most of the times it might be corrected by early intervention.

All of the above, mentioned symptoms should initiate an appointment with spine specialist at the earliest. The best spine surgeon in Bangalore, can do a thorough evaluation and do the best spine treatment as appropriate.