When Should You See a Spine Specialist? Key Signs and Symptoms

Dr. Craig Callewart is a spine specialist in the Dallas, Rockwall, and Forney, TX, areas and can help you with many types of problems. However, knowing when and if you need treatment can be tricky. Thankfully, we at Craig C. Callewart, MD, PA can discuss some of the five biggest warning signs that you need therapy for your back.

Weakness and Numbness in Your Extremities 

Do you feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, legs, hands, fingers, feet, or toes? If so, you might have a spine problem caused by compression in the lumbar or lower back area. Spinal compression can stop your body from receiving the appropriate electrical signals it needs to operate. Herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs may cause this issue.

Lost Agility in Your Fingers and Hands

As we age, we naturally lose some strength and flexibility in our hands and fingers. However, sudden changes that seem to come out of nowhere are a severe problem that could be related to the vertebrae in your upper back and neck. If you find yourself struggling at all, call us, and we’ll give you the spine-centered care that you need to keep your hands working well.

Persistent Pain in the Neck and Back 

Dr. Callewart can help you as a spine specialist in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX, by managing any persistent pain you might feel throughout your neck and back. This pain refers to anything that’s beyond natural stiffness or discomfort from sitting too long or sleeping poorly. Problems like osteoarthritis and even spinal damage might cause pain that you need to manage ASAP.

Changes in Shoulder Height 

Have you noticed a change in your shoulder height, i.e., one is a little higher than the other? This strange symptom shouldn’t be ignored because it could be due to scoliosis, arthritis, or degenerative back conditions. We’ll diagnose what is wrong and find a treatment, typically a hands-on adjustment of your spine that gets it back where it needs to be safe.

Bladder or Bowel Problems

It might seem strange, but spinal issues can cause bladder and bowel misfunction that can become pretty extreme in many people. For instance, you might become completely incontinent with some spinal issues, so it's important to talk to us right away. Amazingly, fixing these concerns can quickly restore your bowel or bladder control and minimize potential problems.

Call Us to Get Help

Dr. Callewart is the kind of spine specialist that Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX, residents trust to provide hands-on therapy that makes sense. Call us at (214) 271-4585 to learn more about our treatments. We at Craig C. Callewart, MD, PA will discuss your potential problems and provide treatment to reduce suffering.