At some point in your life, you will probably experience some sort of back pain. It may come and go, which can be frustrating. On the days when it comes, your daily life can be greatly affected. It’s always good when your back pain disappears in a matter of days with ample rest. However, if your back pain lasts for three months or longer, it’s considered chronic back pain.
If you’re someone who suffers from chronic back pain, all hope is not lost. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with your back pain forever. A back doctor has your back – literally and figuratively. Here are the top reasons why you need to see a back doctor:
1. A Back Doctor Can Provide Proper Diagnosis
To determine the extent of your back pain, you will need a proper assessment. Such evaluation can be done by a qualified back doctor.
What you can expect during diagnosis? First, your doctor will examine your back. They will assess your capability in specific body movements. This can include sitting, standing, walking, and lifting your legs. You may also be asked to rate the pain you’re feeling on your back and how well you’re managing it. These questions can help provide further insight and help your doctor rule out any serious causes.
If your doctor suspects that there may be an underlying cause, you may be subject to various tests. These can include:
- X-rays
- Blood tests
- MRI
- CT scans
- Bone scans
- Nerve studies
This process can help you and your doctor figure out where your back pain is sourcing from. The findings during your diagnosis period can also help identify the proper treatment for you.
2. They Can Recommend A Fitting Treatment
Often, back pain relief can be done with home treatments. With time, your aching back can be relieved. However, every person is different. To add, back pain can be a very complex condition.
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may need a specialized set of treatments. Depending on the severity of your back pain, your back doctor may recommend a combination of the following:
Medications
One of the first medicines your doctor may recommend is pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. These anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve back pain. However, keep in mind to only consume the prescribed amount daily. Overuse of pain relievers can cause other serious side effects.
Other medications you may be recommended include:
- Topical pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotics
Physical Therapy
Another treatment that can be part of your treatment plan is physical therapy. Depending on many factors, your routine will be customized to fit your needs.
Some of these factors include:
- Body type
- Type of back pain
- Underlying conditions
Physical therapy is not the same for everyone. Activities can vary from person to person, from exercises to stretches. Physical therapy has the advantage of being able to help you with more than just your current back discomfort. It can help strengthen your back and spine, preventing future injuries and damage.
Interventional Pain Treatments
If you’ve never heard of interventional pain management before, it’s time to learn about it now! This type of treatment works by subduing the nerves that are responsible for sending pain signals to your brain.
This procedure is usually done by injecting a combination of steroids and anesthetic directly into the area of the affected nerve. The results of these injections are immediate and long-lasting.
The types of injections include:
- Facet point injections
- Nerve blocks
- Trigger-point injections
3. Get Helpful Lifestyle And Diet Tips
Lastly, keep in mind that your way of living might have a significant impact on your back pain. As a result, it’s important you’re always be mindful of what you’re doing and what you’re eating.
If you have chronic back pain, it’s possible that you may have to limit your activities. Your back doctor will help you adapt these lifestyle changes.
A diet high in refined sugars, trans fat, and processed foods can be highly inflammatory. Consulting your back doctor can help you explore different diets and figure out which will work best for you.
Effective Back Pain Remedies In Melbourne, Central Florida
Back pain can get complicated. As such, a back doctor is the best person to seek treatment from. Their expertise will help you pinpoint the area of your pain and deliver an effective and long-lasting treatment.
No need to search anymore – Dr. Nicholas Giordano is happy to help. Dr. Giordano is a board-certified interventional pain management physician. His training and expertise enable him to provide a wide range of pain treatments. Here at Central Florida Spine & Pain, Dr. Giordano has a variety of techniques that can help improve the quality of your life.
Have any questions? Feel free to reach us at (321) 802-5021. You may also schedule an appointment using our online request form. It’s time to get rid of your back pain once and for all!