What does your pain feel like? If it occurs suddenly and feels severe, but only lasts for a short period of
time, it may be what doctors refer to as acute pain. In contrast, if your pain is
persistent and hasn’t improved over time, it may be chronic pain.
Doctors will try to understand what type of pain you’re experiencing. You may be experiencing
mechanical pain because of a breakdown or inflammation in the mechanical
components of the spine that create movement –
the discs, facet joints, ligaments or muscles. Or, you may be experiencing
neurological pain because the
spinal canal has been narrowed or compromised, causing irritation of the spinal cord or spinal nerves, which
in turn can cause pain in the back, or numbness or weakness in the legs.
If any of the following symptoms persist, it’s important that you consult with your doctor:
Back pain
Pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks or legs
Weakness in the arms or legs