Signs It’s Time to See a Spine Specialist

By Ali Zarezadeh, MD – Spine

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people each year. While occasional discomfort may resolve on its own with rest and self-care, certain symptoms warrant professional evaluation. Dr. Ali Zarezadeh, a spine surgeon at UF Health, explains the key warning signs that indicate it’s time to consult a spine specialist.

Persistent or Worsening Pain
If your back or neck pain persists for more than six weeks despite conservative treatment, it’s time to seek specialized care. “Many people hope their pain will simply go away, but chronic pain that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy needs professional assessment,” explains Dr. Zarezadeh. Progressive pain that worsens over time, rather than improving, is particularly concerning and should never be ignored.

Radiating Pain and Numbness
Pain that travels down your arms or legs, known as radiculopathy, often indicates nerve compression or irritation. This type of pain may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation. “When you experience radiating symptoms, it suggests that a spinal nerve is being compressed, possibly by a herniated disc or bone spur,” notes Dr. Zarezadeh. These symptoms require prompt evaluation to prevent potential nerve damage.

Weakness in the Extremities
Unexplained weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet is a red flag that should not be dismissed. This may manifest as difficulty gripping objects, trouble walking or frequent stumbling. Muscle weakness can indicate significant nerve compression and may worsen without appropriate intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent neurological damage.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Loss of bladder or bowel control, especially when accompanied by back pain, may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition where nerves at the base of the spinal cord are severely compressed. “If you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel function, numbness in the groin area or severe leg weakness, seek emergency care immediately,” Dr. Zarezadeh emphasizes.

Pain That Disrupts Daily Life
When back or neck pain begins interfering with your ability to perform everyday activities, work or sleep, it’s time for a specialist evaluation. Chronic pain that limits your mobility, prevents you from exercising, or requires frequent modifications to your routine significantly impacts your quality of life and deserves expert attention.

Pain Following Trauma
If you’ve experienced a fall, car accident or other injury and develop back or neck pain, a comprehensive evaluation is crucial. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause fractures, disc injuries, or ligament damage that may not be immediately apparent. “Post-traumatic spine pain should always be evaluated to rule out structural damage,” advises Dr. Zarezadeh.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Fever
Back pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats may indicate infection, tumor or other serious conditions. These systemic symptoms combined with spinal discomfort require thorough investigation to identify and address underlying causes.

Previous Treatments Haven’t Worked
If you’ve tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic care or pain medications without significant improvement, a spine specialist can offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. Modern spine care includes minimally invasive procedures, targeted injections and when necessary, surgical interventions that can provide lasting relief.

Taking the Next Step
“Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking help,” Dr. Zarezadeh encourages. “Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent conditions from progressing to the point where more aggressive treatment is needed.”

A spine specialist can provide comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, schedule a consultation with a qualified spine specialist to explore your options and reclaim your quality of life.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zarezadeh at UF Health, call 352-323-5665.

About Ali Zarezadeh, MD
Dr. Ali Zarezadeh is a highly skilled spine surgeon with extensive expertise in treating both common and complex spine conditions. Specializing in chronic and degenerative spine disorders, spinal deformities, trauma, fractures, and spinal tumors, he offers comprehensive care for a wide range of issues.

Expertly trained and focused on delivering advanced, motion-preserving treatments, Dr. Zarezadeh is dedicated to restoring function and improving his patients’ quality of life, providing personalized care to meet their unique needs.

When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Zarezadeh enjoys spending time outdoors, often hiking with his family. He is also an avid sports fan, attending football games and playing tennis.

352.323.5665
UFHealth.org/Stand-Tall-With-Spine-Care-You-Can-Trust