Millions of people visit their doctor each year because of back pain. You could experience back pain for a wide variety of reasons, including car accident injuries and poor posture from sitting at a desk all day. But what do you do when you notice other symptoms, along with back pain? You might think it’s odd to experience back pain and cold feet at the same time and wonder if they could be related. In fact, there are some health conditions that could result in these two symptoms occurring at the same time. If you are experiencing both back pain and cold feet, it is best to consult with a back pain specialist near you to determine the underlying cause and receive the appropriate treatment.
What is the Link Between Back Pain and Cold Feet?
Certain conditions can cause both symptoms of back pain and cold feet to occur at the same time. Your brain sends and receives signals that help you know when your body is experiencing pain or other symptoms. Temperature changes in your extremities, like your feet, get communicated to your brain through the spinal cord. Similarly, your brain receives communication about any back pain you might have through nearby nerves and the spinal cord. Signals in the brain will indicate that your feet are cold or that you have back pain. Once your brain processes this information, it sends signals back to the body to initiate responses like warming the feet or releasing hormones to provide natural pain relief. Thus, your brain and nervous system housed in the spine play a vital role in the symptoms you experience and how to get the treatment you need.
Possible Causes of Back Pain and Cold Feet
In some cases, you may experience back pain and cold feet that are unrelated and caused by separate issues. However, there are also possible causes of both back pain and cold feet. Here are three examples of health conditions that could cause you to experience both symptoms:
Diaphragmatic Tension
Diaphragmatic tension is a term that refers to abnormal tension or tightness in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. When you take a deep breath in and out, you engage this important muscle. A variety of factors can lead to diaphragmatic tension, including stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Diaphragmatic tension can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, back pain, and fatigue. It can also make it difficult to take deep breaths, which can result in decreased oxygen levels in the body and coldness in the extremities.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage or disease affecting the nerves. The peripheral nervous system is made up of a network of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Damage or disease to these nerves can cause symptoms including numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, sharp or burning pain, and reduced sensation. Coldness in the hands and feet is also a symptom of neuropathy. You could experience neuropathy because of a condition like diabetes, chronic alcohol use, or even certain viral or bacterial infections. Along with cold feet, neuropathy can also cause back pain if the nerves in the back are affected. A condition known as radiculopathy can result in nerve compression or inflammation in the spinal cord, resulting in pain and other symptoms in the back.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a health condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. When this happens, it can reduce or stop the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet, which can cause cramping, pain, coldness, and numbness in the extremities. It is also possible for peripheral artery disease to cause back pain in certain areas. Because back pain is a common symptom and can have multiple causes, it’s important to consult with a back pain specialist to determine the specific cause.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Pain and Cold Feet
Your back pain specialist will use a variety of methods to diagnose the cause of your back pain, cold feet, and other symptoms you may experience. The diagnosis will inform the type of treatment necessary to help you experience lasting relief.
Methods of Diagnosis
The methods of diagnosing the cause of your back pain and cold feet will typically include taking your medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering diagnostic tests.
Non-Surgical Options
All procedures offered by the back pain specialists at ProCare Medical Centers are non-surgical. In fact, the vast majority of our patients can experience healing and relief from back pain and other symptoms with non-invasive options.
Surgical Options
If back surgery is necessary, our team of back pain specialists at ProCare Medical Center will do everything we can to support you before and after your procedure to help you heal and recover. We offer pre- and post-surgical plans with a non-invasive perspective.
The Pro-Care Difference
Experience the ProCare difference when you visit our team of primary care doctors, chiropractors, and other holistic health services. We provide unique and comprehensive care to address all your healthcare needs.
Get in Touch with Pro-Care Today!
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