Orthopedics

66% of those who have chronic pain expect to live with that pain for the rest of their lives. It doesn't have to be the case.

Did you herniate the disk while moving the furniture around? Is the pain in your shoulder a torn rotator cuff, or are you just a hard workout pain? How about your knee, huh? Has an old sport injury come back to remind you that you're getting older every year? The next question that comes through your mind is whether you need to see a doctor. While you may be tempted to harden it and hope the pain goes away, some injuries warrant immediate attention.

Don't be surprised if your primary care doctor recommends that you see an orthopedic specialist. Trained to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, these experts will direct you along the right path to recovery— whether your injury affects your bones and joints or your muscles, ligaments and tendons. Make sure that you get prompt medical attention if you have the following symptoms: injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness.

• You can't put any weight in the area.
• An old injury hurts or hurts.
• The old injury is swelling.
• The joint doesn't feel normal or it feels unstable.

If you've hurt your back, remember that a lot of back pain issues have been resolved over time. That said, you should never ignore the back pain that comes after a fall or injury. See your doctor if your back pain does not improve with rest or if it involves numbness or tingling, severe pain, weakness of the muscles and difficulty urinating. Putting out medical care can sometimes lead to permanent damage.

Remember, if your pain or symptoms get worse, you should see an orthopedic specialist.