Lower back pain is often short-lived, but in some cases it can last for days – even weeks – and impact the quality of our lives. How do I know if my back pain is serious? An awkward movement is all it takes for our lower backs to react with a quick burst of pain, reminding us to be more careful about how we use our bodies. But if your back pain lasts more than two weeks, there’s a chance it could be something more serious, and you will need to make an appointment with your GP to get help.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP may refer you to a rheumatologist. Alternatively, you may want to see a rheumatologist privately. A rheumatologist has specialist medical training that allows them to diagnose and treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common inflammatory type of arthritis.
Finding a great rheumatologist can be a challenge – alongside dealing with your back pain! Experienced professionals in this field are highly sought after, and patients often travel to other countries in order to get the best medical service. Still, looking for options in your local area is wise, as this will cut down your travel time. For example, if you’re from London, you may still need to look for a private rheumatologist in London before extending your search elsewhere.
If you want to understand more about lower back pain, our guide will help you understand the types and causes. However, note that this is an informational article only – you should seek personalised guidance from your trusted medical practitioner for an official diagnosis.
The many faces of lower back pain
If you’ve experienced lower back pain, you’ll understand that it can dramatically affect your quality of life, making it difficult to complete daily tasks and routines.
Not all back pain is equal. There are many different reasons behind back pain and underlying conditions, so trying to fix it alone is a bad idea. With that in mind, what exactly could be causing it?
- Inflammatory diseases – Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. This is an autoimmune disease that is known to cause pain and stiffness in the lower back, especially in the morning.
- Acute injuries – Acute injuries to the lower back are pretty common, like muscle strains and sprains. They may cause sharp pain and restrict your movement, too, but usually ease off within a week.
- Intervertebral disc herniation – When a disc moves out of place, it can cause nerve compression and radiating pain. People who suffer from disc herniation describe it as one of the worst kinds of pain they have ever felt.
- Sciatica – This is when the sciatic nerve, which runs down the spine, is compressed. and causes a feeling of leg weakness, tingling and back pain. Sometimes, you may experience a burning feeling or be unable to move due to weakness and pain.
- Osteoporosis – This silent enemy is one of the most common causes of joint pain as we age. It often affects the knees, hips and lower back, causing chronic back pain if not treated correctly.
Note: This is an overview of the symptoms, causes and conditions of lower back pain. Make sure you consult your rheumatologist for professional help.
When to consult a rheumatologist
If you have a chronic condition that causes severe back pain, you probably already have an established pain management routine that may consist of painkillers, rest and/or light exercise. However, there are some back pain red flags must be immediately addressed, such as:
- Unrelenting pain – A pain that appeared suddenly, without a condition or injury as a main cause. It lasts for longer than a week, worsens when lying in bed, and affects your sleeping quality.
- Neurological conditions – Symptoms like numbness, tingling and weakness in your lower back, bowel and legs need specialist evaluation, even if they are only occurring every once in a while.
- Pain accompanied by weight loss, fever or sweating – These aren’t really typical for lower back pain, but when combined with pain in the lower back, it points to a serious condition that may require emergency medical care.
- Severe trauma – If you recently had an accident and still feel numbness and lower back pain, we suggest seeing a rheumatologist to examine the spine for potential damage.
- History of related conditions – If you have an inflammatory condition like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, or someone in your family has it, you have the potential to develop joint pain as a genetic consequence. A rheumatologist will help you create a plan for pain prevention, or pain management if you are already experiencing symptoms.
If you feel pain in your lower back that limits your movement or affects your overall quality of life, you should address it immediately with your rheumatologist. Don’t wait to seek help; early detection gives you the best chance of remission or prevention of disease progression.
How to find the best rheumatologist
As mentioned, it’s always a good idea to conduct research and read recommendations when it comes to finding the right rheumatologist to address your needs. Not only will it give you peace of mind to work with a medical professional who has the right certifications, specialist skills and knowledge, but your health journey will be made easier and more comfortable by a rheumatologist who is communicative and personable.
Here are some things to consider when searching for a rheumatologist:
- Browse professional directories, such as the British Society for Rheumatology, hospital directories and health groups.
- Patient reviews can help you decide whether a doctor is worth approaching. Remember to take these with a pinch of salt, as individual experiences can vary greatly. But if a doctor has mostly glowing reviews, then they are likely to be a good choice.
- Check hospital and clinic websites. These sites often showcase doctors’ profiles so that you can find information on their specialties and experience.
Travelling with back pain to another city or even country is not always possible, so be sure to explore your local options first. Keep in mind the accessibility of the clinic, as your back pain may limit your ability to climb stairs or walk long distances.
And finally, compare the advantages and disadvantages of public and private healthcare. For an immediate examination, you may prefer a private rheumatologist, but this will come with a cost in comparison to public healthcare, which is free. On the other hand, the appointment availability of public healthcare means that you could wait weeks or even months for a consultation. Make sure you weigh up these factors before making your decision.
Conclusion
Dealing with lower back pain, no matter the reason, can greatly impact your everyday life, but seeking the support of a private rheumatologist can help you get back on your feet (quite literally!)
As a final tip from us, we recommend joining support groups and networks to connect with individuals who deal with the same or similar conditions. Their experience can save you plenty of time and money, especially their recommendations for professional rheumatologists near you.
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