Back pain doctors create treatment regimens based on pain severity and the results of other diagnostic procedures. These procedures include a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs. This means your treatment plan is tailored to you. Here are some of the treatment plans that your back doctor may recommend and administer, based on your specific condition:
Acute Back Pain
Acute back pain can be caused by minor accidents, sports injuries, and poor posture, among other factors. If the pain is relatively minor, your doctor may recommend applying ice to your back and simply resting. Ice helps reduce inflammation, while rest gives your body time to recover and heal. To speed healing, your back doctor may also prescribe a simple back brace to limit movement and stabilize the spine.
If the back pain affects your normal life, your doctor will often prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers. While pain relievers provide immediate relief, your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to promote healing. During this time, the doctor monitors your progress and addresses any underlying conditions that may slow healing.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is caused by herniated discs, nerve inflammation, degenerative discs, and spinal fractures. Apart from standard interventions, this pain may require spinal injections to reduce inflammation and restore functionality. Your back pain doctor will prescribe a specific injection based on the cause and severity of your pain. The injection delivers medicine directly to the painful part of your back, providing quick relief.
If your severe back pain is caused by arthritis, herniated and degenerative disc disease, the doctor may prescribe steroid injections. They have strong anti-inflammatory capacity and reduce pain and inflammation promptly. Doctors usually administer them around the spine to reduce nerve inflammation and improve mobility.
Chronic nerve pain that lingers can be treated with Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These injections are derived from your own blood. They contain essential proteins and other growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration, leading to sustainable pain relief. To enhance accuracy, your doctor will use imaging techniques, such as MRIs and X-rays, before administering PRP.
Preventive Measures
To speed healing and reduce the risk of recurrence, your doctor may advise you to avoid certain triggers that cause back pain. The triggers include poor sitting positions, sleeping postures, and inactivity, among others. Your doctor may also advise you on proper exercise techniques to reduce excessive pressure on your back. These techniques include stretching, walking, and light lifting.
Schedule a Visit to a Back Doctor
Back pain can cause discomfort and reduce mobility, affecting your ability to undertake daily activities effectively. Initial pain may resolve on its own, but if it persists, consider seeing a back doctor for an examination and treatment. By using diagnostic techniques, such as physical examination and magnetic imaging, the doctor will identify the cause of pain and formulate a customized treatment plan for you. If you are experiencing back pain, schedule a visit to a back pain doctor to start your treatment today.
