Understanding Back Pain Treatment
Posted on: 10 November 2020
Back pain results from old age, underlying health conditions or injuries. Sometimes, the pain can get so severe that you can't carry out day to day activities. Here's what you need to know about back pain treatment.
Diagnosis
Visit a doctor who specialises in back pain because they have back pain-specific knowledge and experience. Such a doctor will know all the necessary tests to carry out to identify what is causing your pain; this is crucial in getting treatment right.
Expect the specialist to examine you using their hands and to ask you to make certain movements. You might be required to inform the specialist which movements make the pain unbearable and the movements you can't manage.
You can also expect a back X-ray that clearly shows how your bones are aligned and whether any bones are damaged. You may also need an MRI and CT scan to show whether there are problems with nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles, tissue and blood vessels.
Your doctor may also carry out a bone scan to check for compression fractures and bone tumours, a nerve test to check whether you have nerve compression and a blood test to rule out infections that can cause back pain.
Treatment
Based on the results from the tests mentioned above, your back pain doctor will know which category of treatments to administer to get you better. These treatments are classified as non-invasive and invasive.
Non-invasive back pain treatment
These are treatments that don't involve cutting into your skin; they include oral medications like pain relievers, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. They also include massages and exercises that form what is referred to as physical therapy.
Invasive back pain treatment
This includes any treatment that involves pricking or cutting into your skin; for example, surgery, injections and acupuncture. In most cases, this is usually a last resort.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Not all back pain can be treated; sometimes, the doctor can only manage your pain through medication, ointments and physical therapy. This means you might be on medication for the rest of your life.
- Your back pain doctor does not jump straight to surgery as a solution. The first treatment option is always oral medication or physical therapy unless tests confirm that your condition can be treated through surgery.
- If surgery poses a great risk, for example, paralysis or death, your doctor may recommend non-invasive options, even if it means managing your pain and not treating your condition.
To learn more about back pain treatment, contact a clinic like Associated Medical Clinic.
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