Common Causes Of Back Pain
Two of the most common reasons for back pain are muscle strains or ligament sprains. Obesity and bad posture can put strain on your back and make it hurt. Arthritis and other changes in your spine as you get older can cause back pain. More serious causes of the condition include a ruptured disc or fractured vertebrae. Possible causes of back pain include:
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Herniated disc, when the soft center of spinal disc slips out of place
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Osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens bones including the vertebrae
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Osteomyelitis, a bone infection
What Is An Orthopedic Spine Specialist
Approximately 80% of Americans experience back pain, and it sometimes falls to specialists to determine why.
Orthopedics is a category of medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Spine specialists, of course, focus only on the diseases and issues associated with the spine.
These physicians are trained to detect and treat conditions impacting or stemming from the spine through surgery or other means. Consequently, an orthopedic spine specialist is sometimes called a spine surgeon.
Orthopedic specialists know their stuff. They spend at least eight years in school, learning the ins and outs of their trade. Several of those years are spent in clinical fields, where soon-to-be surgeons learn even more through residencies and specialized fellowships.
If you have ever searched for, “spine doctor near me” you’ll want to make sure that you find an expert back doctor. Many wonder whats the difference between a specialist and a chiropractor? Chiropractors manipulate the spine for relief, but only specialists can conduct surgeries.
What Are The Best Natural Ways To Treat Lower Back Pain
Turmeric is a popular natural remedy for lower back pain. The roots anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and inflammation. Use caution if youre taking prescription medications known to thin blood. They could interact with this supplement. Another natural treatment is applying ice directly to the affected area to reduce swelling.
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Get Back Pain Treatment Online
Speak to a board certified doctor, securely from your phone or computer and get back pain treatment online in 15 minutes. There are many home remedies and prescription medications a doctor can recommend to help you recover faster.
We accept these insurance plans and many more. Without insurance, appointments are $119.
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Back And Spine Services
Your back is a complex structure of nerves, small joints and discs, as well as tendons, muscles and tissue. Because of this complexity, treatment for back and spine problems may require a multidisciplinary team and specially trained orthopedic spine or neurologic surgeons.
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Recommended Treatment Options By Neurologists
Neurologists have the advantage of knowing the health of the patients nerves and muscles. In many cases, acute pain is due to strains, muscle damage, or nerve damage. This means the neurologist can then use non-surgical options to treat the condition. The doctor will often recommend physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and rest. Neurologists also encourage techniques like chiropractic care or biofeedback therapy. If the pain persists, medication, and steroid injections come next. With consistent work, acute back pain can clear up.
Why Go To An Orthopedic Doctor
There are a variety of medical doctors who treat specific sets of conditions. Because it is impossible for one physician to treat all types of conditions and injuries that affect the human body, doctors specialize in subfields of medicine. Through this specialization, a physician becomes an expert in a distinct subfield of medicine and can diagnose, treat, and prevent issues within that subfield. One such field is orthopedics.
An orthopedic physician is an expert on the musculoskeletal system . Because back pain is most often caused by injury or damage to one of these components in the back, orthopedic physicians are often referred to for diagnosis and treatment.
Using advanced education and training, orthopedic physicians can pinpoint the exact cause of the back pain. Back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a fracture, herniated disc, muscle strain, or damage to connective tissue. Orthopedic doctors can correctly diagnose the exact cause of the back pain and recommend effective treatment for it.
Orthopedic physicians have access to state-of-the-art and advanced medical technology and treatments that are proven to be effective for musculoskeletal issues. Because of this, when a patient has back pain, orthopedic physicians can offer treatments that will give fast and effective results. Using various methods for pain reduction, which include injections, medication, and physical therapy, orthopedic physicians can offer long-term relief from back pain.
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Whats New In Arthritis Research
Progress is so fast in some areas of arthritis research today that the media often report new findings before the medical journal with the information reaches your doctors office. As a result, you need to know how to evaluate reports on new arthritis research.
Arthritis researchers are looking at four broad areas of research. These include causes, treatments, education and prevention.
Researchers are learning more about certain conditions. For example in osteoarthritis, researchers are looking for signs of early destruction of cartilage and ways to rebuild it. For rheumatoid arthritis and other types that involve inflammation, researchers are trying to understand the steps that lead to inflammation and how it can be slowed or stopped. An initial study suggests that fibromyalgia affects more older people than originally thought and often may be overlooked in this group. Your doctor can tell you about other new research findings. If you would like to take part in arthritis research, ask your doctor for a referral to a study in your area.
Many people help make arthritis research possible. The federal government through its National Institutes of Health is the largest supporter of arthritis research. Drug companies do the most research on new medications.
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Which Way Should You Go
The wide array of back-pain treatment choices can be daunting, suggests Penney Cowan, executive director of the American Chronic Pain Association. “There is no road map that says turn left here and turn right there,” says Cowan.
The advice of a trusted family doctor is a logical place to start your journey. Once a serious problem such as a tumor has been ruled out, back pain treatment is often a collaborative course of treatment. Make sure your general practitioner understands the range of caregivers and the variety of approaches, and start shopping.
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What Are Opioids And How Do They Work To Reduce Pain
Opioids belong to a class of drugs and medications known as analgesics. The medications in this class vary widely, but the one similarity all analgesics share is that they are pain relievers. Opioids are powerful prescription-only analgesics.
Opioids work by essentially decreasing your perception of, and therefore your reaction to, pain. They do this by interacting with specific proteins called opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are located throughout your body, but when opioid medications attach to receptors in your brain and spinal cord, they alter your perception of pain.
Listed below are types of opioids that may be prescribed for back and/or neck pain. The brand name are not inclusive.
- Oxycodone/naloxone
Specialists Who Treat Back Pain
There are many types of health practitioners that care for patients with spinal conditions, and each has a slightly different role. Selection of the most appropriate type of health professional – or team of health professionals – largely depends on the patient’s symptoms and the length of time the symptoms have been present.
The different types of health professionals who treat back pain tend to have varied training and interests. While it is common to start off with a primary care provider , if the patient’s back pain is resistant to initial treatment then the services of a spine specialist may be necessary.
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Help For Back And Spinal Problems
Your back is a complex structure of highly sensitive nerves, small joints and discs, as well as tendons, muscles and tissue. A problem with any one of these components can cause back pain. In fact, most people have back pain at some point in their lives. Fortunately most back problems typically improve without surgical intervention.
Because of the complexity of the human back, treatment may sometimes require specially trained experts in sports medicine, neuroscience or orthopedics. In the Sutter Health network, experts offer comprehensive care for a wide range of back and spine problems, from degenerative discs and scoliosis to osteoporosis and spinal stenosis.
We provide advanced diagnostic and evaluation services in order to create the most effective treatment plan for you. Options for care can include non-surgical therapy, minimally invasive procedures or spinal surgery if less invasive treatments haven’t helped ease your back pain.
Pediatric back and spine specialists at some Sutter locations provide specialty care to children with conditions including scoliosis, spina bifida and congenital abnormalities.
Located in Sacramento, the Sutter Medical Foundation Tarlov Cyst Program is one of only three in the country. This program helps alleviate potentially debilitating symptoms from these rare cysts.
Be Proactive About Your Back Pain Treatment Plan
If the current treatment plan for your back pain isn’t working, consider researching various spine specialists on your own. There may be a different type of health professional who is better suited to treat your condition.
Before you see a specialist, write down a clear description of your symptoms and the treatments you’ve tried. This written record can help you to better communicate with your new doctor. Also, don’t be shy about seeking a second opinion if you think it will help alleviate your back pain.
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How To Find An Orthopedist For Lower Back Pain
Your primary care physician may recommend a leading orthopedist in your area. You can also ask your friends who they recommend, and search the website of the American Orthopedic Association or the AAOS. Once you have found an orthopedist, you’ll want to reach out to them to get more information on their specialty, experience, and background. If they are an orthopedic surgeon, it’s important to inquire about their training and experience all of which can be done through a consultation.
Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Physical therapists and chiropractic specialists use a variety of non-surgical, and non-medication based methods to relieve pain. These methods range from spinal manipulation, to rehabilitation exercises, and are among the most conservative ways to treat back pain. Oftentimes, this is where patients with back pain begin their treatment course.
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Signs You Should See An Orthopedic Spine Specialist
At Comprehensive Spine Institute, we know that chances are youve experienced back pain at least once in your life.
According to the Global Burden of Disease, lower back pain is the worlds leading cause of disability. In a single year, half of working Americans will fall victim to the Back Pain Monster.
While it may seem like an everyday occurrence, there are times when this discomfort shouldnt be ignored.
But when does enough become enough? When is it time to visit an orthopedic spine specialist?
Read on to find out.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats A Pinched Nerve
Are you suffering sudden, sharp pain when you move in a certain way? Or weakness, numbness, aching, or burning down your arms or legs with no obvious cause? You may have a pinched nerve.
Pinched nerves can cause sudden pain or a slow-developing burn. They can make it hard to enjoy your regular activities, especially when you know that the slightest movement might trigger that stabbing pain when you least expect it.
A pinched nerve can be caused by a number of conditions, like arthritis, an injury, or strain. It can also be caused by repetitive movements. The pressure on a nerve can take years to build up or happen suddenly with one wrong move. You might experience a sudden, sharp pain when you move a certain way. Or it could be a gradual onset of weakness, numbness, or burning.
If rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medication dont solve the problem, who do you call?
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Common Types Of Arthritis
Bacterial infections from septic arthritis can start as a skin infection or urinary tract infection . Your body reacts to the infection with inflammation, increasing pressure and a reduction of blood flow within the area, which only advances the damage to the joint.
The most common cause of septic arthritis is a bacterial infection with staphylococcus aureus , which often causes skin infections. Other bacterial infections that may cause septic arthritis are haemophilus influenzae, gram negative bacilli, streptococci, and gonococci.
Prompt treatment is advised because this infection can quickly and severely damage the cartilage and bone within the joint. Treatment involves antibiotics which should be taken as soon as possible if the septic arthritis is caused by a virus, you cannot treat it with medicine. You can also use medications , physical therapy, or a splint on the joint to alleviate pain.
Too much pus can cause further damage, so the fluid can be drained from the joint with a needle or surgically . Delayed treatment can result in joint degeneration and permanent damage.
Degenerative Arthritis
The most common type of arthritis, degenerative arthritis, is also known as osteoarthritis. This wear and tear variety of arthritis occurs when joint cartilage and the bone within the joint begin to wear away. The breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints starts to become painful as the erosion worsens.
Reactive Arthritis
Answers To Common Back Pain Questions
More than eight in 10 people will experience upper, mid, or low back pain at some point in their lives. Low back pain is the most common back pain. In most cases, the pain goes away over time. If your back pain is severe or does not improve, you may need medical care. Here are answers to some common questions about back pain and tips on when to seek help.
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When To See A Doctor For Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common medical conditions more than eight in 10 of us will experience it during our lifetime. There are many reasons why your back may hurtfrom a pulled muscle to more serious back and spine conditions. The type of discomfort ranges from a dull backache to sharp pain. The most common type of back pain is acutewhich means it goes away within weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months. Knowing when to see a doctor for back pain is half the battle when it comes to finding relief. Many people continue to function with mild backaches and find relief with at-home care measures. But, its important to know the signs and symptoms of a more serious back problem that requires a professional medical diagnosis and treatment.
How Much Does Medicare Cover For Pain Management
If youre wondering how much Medicare will pay for your visits to and treatments by a back pain doctor, the answer depends on your specific Medicare plan.
In terms of coverage, different parts of the Medicare plan cover different aspects of your medical care:
- Medicare Part A covers hospital bills and expenses.
- Medicare Part B covers outpatient procedures and other standard medical expenses.
- Finally, Medicare Part D covers drugs.
So if you need a combination of hospital care, in-office care, and medicine for pain management, all three of these Medicare components will be involved.
How much youre responsible for depends primarily on your level of coverage. Your coverage level will also impact your copays and deductibles for each visit or treatment.
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What Does A Rheumatologist Do
Rheumatology studies the causes, impact, and treatments of inflammatory autoimmune disorders on the human body. In an autoimmune disorder, a patients own immune system malfunctions and turns its attack on his own healthy body tissue, rather than on invading or external disease agents.
Rheumatologists can be internists or pediatricians who have additional training and qualifications. They have the experience to diagnose and treat many of the over 100 systemic forms of adult, juvenile, and temporal arthritis. They treat mechanical joint, bone, muscle, and soft and connective tissue diseases.
Often referred to as arthritis doctors, rheumatologists treat many other diseases too.
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What Kind Of Doctor Do I See For Back Pain
Back pain treatment requires a specialized doctor skilled in this joint and spine condition. While a primary care physician or a primary care doctor is able to identify the cause of your back pain, they do not have the tools necessary to treat your back pain condition. What kind of doctor do you see for joint pain? An interventional pain doctor is the best choice for treating lower back pain conditions like sciatica, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. If youre looking for the best back pain doctor in NYC or the best back pain specialist in NYC, look no further than Pain Treatment Specialists. Our neck, back, and spine doctors utilize a comprehensive approach to chronic pain conditions, and look to improve each patients overall health.
Schedule an appointment at one of our pain clinics in NYC, Long Island, or northern NJ and see how our joint pain specialists treat chronic back pain with minimally invasive methods. Our back doctors implement customized back pain treatment plans that work with each patients specific back pain concerns. Surgery or addictive narcotics are not recommended, and our back specialists extensive backgrounds in pain medicine guide their treatment philosophies. If youre not sure about what kind of doctor to see for joint pain, an interventional pain specialist is the top recommendation for lower back pain.
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