Complications of Untreated Back Pain

Back pain is a common and complicated issue for 16 million American adults. When you ignore the pain, it can lead to even more complex issues that affect your health and longevity.

At New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine, Jose De La Torre, MD, and our pain management team have extensive experience diagnosing the cause of persistent back pain. We also offer a range of treatments that help you find long-lasting pain relief.

Why delaying back pain treatment is a bad idea

If you have persistent upper or lower back pain, our team recommends that you schedule a consultation sooner rather than later to lower your risk for disability and other complications like:

Progressively worse pain

Minor back pain from muscle strains typically resolves with rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

But if your pain is from something more serious like degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or a herniated disc, you may be facing more serious pain as your condition becomes more advanced.

Limited physical abilities

Chronic and severe back pain can limit what you can do physically. Not only are you at risk for a disability that interferes with your ability to work or do other activities, but you might also be prone to developing chronic health conditions from a lack of physical movement.

Without regular exercise, you may face complications from chronic health issues like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Mental health issues

Ongoing pain can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Living day after day with chronic pain can also make you feel isolated and alone if your mobility is affected.

Substance abuse risks

In some cases, people misuse or abuse drugs like opioids and alcohol in an effort to numb their chronic pain. This can lead to addiction and a variety of long-term physical illnesses and mental health struggles.

Find pain relief with the right treatment plan

There may be many reasons why you don’t seek professional medical care for back pain. Maybe you feel like your pain is something that will get better on its own. Perhaps you’re afraid that you’ll need surgery and don’t want to face a lengthy recovery.

The reality is that untreated back pain can do more damage than you realize. By scheduling a consultation with our pain management specialists at New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine, you not only can access the pain-relieving solutions you deserve, but you can also learn strategies to reduce your risk for new episodes of back pain.

Dr. De La Torre customizes individual treatment plans to meet your pain relief needs. He offers advanced, interventional pain solutions like nerve blocks and corticosteroid therapy.

Many of our treatments can also reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive treatments, including surgery. We can even refer you for physical therapy to restore your spine function, so you can enjoy life without pain.

Don’t put off a back pain evaluation any longer. Schedule a consultation online, or call New Tampa Pain and Sports Medicine today to learn more about the available pain solutions.