When to Call Your Doctor Consult your orthopaedic and spine care specialist at SpineCenterAtlanta if you have back, neck, shoulder, or hip pain that is interfering with your daily life. If you have pain while doing an activity, after doing an activity, or you cannot do an activity because it's too painful, it's time to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation. If you are experiencing a loss of bladder or bowel control, which may be accompanied by numbness and tingling in the groin or genital area, you may have a herniated lumbar disc (the disc herniation is pressing on the nerves which control the bladder and bowel). This is an emergency and you should go to an emergency room immediately or dial 911. After Surgery, When to Call Your Surgeon If you feel that you are in an emergency situation, call 911 or go to your closest hospital emergency room immediately. Some reasons to call your surgeon include: Increased pain or swelling Unusual redness, heat, or drainage at the incision site Numbness Bleeding Trouble breathing or chest pains Fever over 101° F