Musculoskeletal pain is common in many people, especially among individuals of working age. While most aches can be due to postural strains, overuse, or minor injuries, some symptoms may indicate more than they first appear. These are warning signs that might point you towards seeking timely medical attention if required.
Below are ten key indicators to help guide you on when to contact a healthcare professional:
1. Radiculopathy – This refers to the compression or irritation of a nerve near the spine. It can present with weakness, numbness, pain, tingling, or pins and needles. It is often caused by age-related spinal changes or herniated disks that may occur through lifting heavy objects awkwardly.
2. Bilateral pins and needles – Tingling or numbness on both sides of the back, buttocks, or legs may be a warning sign for a serious complication known as cauda equina syndrome that involves pressure on the nerves at the root or base of the spine. This can even be followed by bladder/bowel changes, leg weakness or sexual dysfunction.
3. Unexplained weight loss – Excess weight loss without trying to can be a sign of an underlying issue. This can become concerning when more than 5% of your body weight is lost over six to twelve months. It is a common symptom for many conditions with the main one being cancer.
4. Pain at rest – Pain that is experienced when not moving or at night, particularly when it disrupts your sleep, can be signs of fractures, infections and once again cancer. Persistent back pain hindering sleep can also signify nerve involvement. Early involvement. There are also conditions where when sleeping, pressure is applied on the back, meaning spinal disks and nerves are affected.
5. Persistent fever – Fevers lasting over several days without a cause can suggest possible infections due to systemic involvement. This, along with fatigue and weight lost, may point to signs beyond simple musculoskeletal issues. These combinations are commonly seen in autoimmune diseases, which should be promptly investigated by a professional.
Recognising any of these signs early is crucial, whether one or more. Although these may not always indicate a serious pathology, it is not ideal to not wait for the pain to go down or it to resolve on its own when the pain is persistent and worsens. These signs may start subtly and can be ignored quite easily. Paying attention to what your body is saying is important to protect your health.
You should start by booking an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP), who may refer you to a physiotherapist or further qualified healthcare professionals if required. Investigations and treatments, when done early, will have a significant impact on outcomes and recovery times.
When it comes to your body, even the smallest of signs can signal large underlying issues.
Ready to start your recovery journey?
Book an assessment with our expert physiotherapists today.
