7 Signs Your Spine Needs Expert Attention: Serving Patients Across Northwest Indiana and Chicago

Your spine performs many functions that shape your everyday life. When a spine health issue arises, it usually creates a set of symptoms that can warn you that something is amiss. Listening to these messages is a critical part of giving your spine the attention and care it deserves. 

For many residents of Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago metro area, Dr. Mohammad S. Shukairy is the perfect solution to spine issues. As a highly skilled minimally invasive spine surgeon, Dr. Shukairy has helped many people find relief.

Here are seven signs that you might benefit from coming in for a consultation with Dr. Shukairy. 

#1: Persistent pain in your back or neck

It might sound obvious that back and neck pain point to a spine issue, but you’d be surprised how many people simply ignore their pain and push on with their daily tasks. 

While occasional back pain after an especially strenuous day is normal, pain that is severe or continues over time is a sign of a spinal issue. 

#2: Pain that travels

If your back pain begins to radiate down into your legs or into your shoulders and arms, you may have an issue like a compressed nerve or some form of spinal misalignment. 

Don’t just wait for it to subside on its own. You need to see a specialist to determine if you have a more serious condition. 

#3: Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods of time

Many people with spine conditions notice that they’re no longer able to comfortably sit or stand for long periods. Your body is designed to move, and your spine is what enables that mobility. 

If staying in the same position for long periods of time causes discomfort, it’s time to see a specialist to check for spine issues. 

#4: Numbness or tingling in your extremities

Not all signs of spine issues cause symptoms in your back or neck. Tingling in your arms or legs can also be a sign that something is happening within your spine. The absence of sensation (numbness) can also be a sign of distress. 

#5: Rest isn’t helping with back pain

Minor back strains will usually improve with a couple of days of rest, which gives your body a chance to heal. But if your pain persists even after rest, it could mean that you’ve sustained damage that your body cannot heal on its own. 

Discomfort that worsens when you lie down can also be a sign of compression of your nerves or inflammation. 

#6: You experience sudden problems with bowel or bladder control

While rare, certain back conditions can cause you to lose control of your bowels or urinary function. 

Many people go through a slow decline in their urinary function as they age, but a sudden loss of control should be a sign of a serious problem no matter your age, and merits emergency medical care. 

#7: You’ve tried multiple self-care and conservative treatments

One of the biggest signs of a serious spine health condition is a failure to achieve pain relief through conservative treatment options. 

If you’ve tried rest, over-the-counter pain medications, stretching, physical therapy, massage, or other treatment options to no avail, you may have a spine condition that requires more advanced treatment. 

Don’t postpone seeking specialized care

If any of these scenarios describe your experience, it’s important to come in to see Dr. Mohammad S. Shukairy as soon as possible. Dr. Shukairy has the skill and experience needed to determine the cause of your symptoms and devise a customized treatment plan. 

You can schedule a visit to our offices in Highland, Crown Point, Hobart, or Merrillville, Indiana, by calling us. We serve all of northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago Region. Online booking is also available.