Causes Of Sciatica Pain
The majority of sciatica pain is caused by the nerve becoming pinched due to compression of the lower back. This can occur by either a herniated disc, bone spur or even a tumor compressing on the nerve. Only a medical doctor or specialist can make a qualified diagnosis. If you suspect you have a damaged sciatic nerve, which type of specialist should you seek out to treat your sciatica pain?
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Who Gets Back Pain
Anyone can have back pain. You may be more likely to have back pain because of the following:
- Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are out of shape. You may also get back pain if you exercise too hard after not being active for a while.
- Obesity: If you are overweight or obese, it can put stress on the back and cause pain.
- Job-related risk factors: Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you slouch or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
- Age: You may have more back pain as you get older, particularly after you turn 45.
- Family history: Your genes play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.
Question #: For Back Pain Which Doctor To Consult
Back pain is often complicated. The spine is your central support system, bolstering the head and neck and facilitating movement throughout your body. Since your back is comprised of not only the vertebrae but also surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, nerves, tissues, and organs, its not always easy to identify the cause of back pain. Thats why the #1 question to ask is which doctor you should consult for back pain. They are not all created equally or equipped to treat all forms of back pain. The best choice is an interventional pain specialist whos board certified in pain medicine.
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The American College Of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is an international association of over 150,000 internal medicine specialists. According to their website, their mission is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine. As part of that broad mission, the organization issues clinical guidelines based on published research and evidence. Then, they periodically update them as new data comes in.
Because the organization is composed of internal medicine specialists, who deal with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of adult diseases. Thus, ACP guidelines have been issued dealing with treating many bodily conditions and systems, from anemia to urinary incontinence including low back pain. They also issue guidelines on screening and prevention practices.
Creating the guidelines is a team effort involving their own Clinical Policy staff, a Clinical Guidelines Committee, and the collaboration of scientific and medical experts.
The Mri Will Likely Be Looked At By A Surgeon
Often, a like Dr. Dowdell will review a patients MRI results and come up with the next step in their treatment, which may or may not be surgery.
My job as a spine surgeon is not only to do surgery but to diagnose people properly and get them to the right doctor if surgery isnt going to be helpful, he says. Some patients are frustrated when I say surgery wont help them, but it would be worse if I did surgery, and it didnt help or made things worse.
Dr. Dowdell says that surgeons sometimes recommend non-surgical treatments, too, such as injections, which not only can provide relief but help them determine where the pain is coming from.
Even if surgery is the recommended next step, know that you may be able to have a minimally invasive procedurethat is, one that results in less pain and complications and a quicker and easier recovery.
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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.
Know When Its Time To Get Help
If you are experiencing any of the types of pain described belowespecially if you have been experiencing it for more than a few daysschedule an appointment with a neck specialist or doctor who specializes in treating back- or spine-related pain:
- Achiness or stiffness in the lower back after sitting
- Back or neck pain that keeps you awake at night
- Back pain that causes you to hunch over
- Loss of balance when walking
- Neck pain caused by swelling
- Neck pain you would describe as stiff
- Numbness in the affected area
- Sudden, sharp pain in a localized area of the back
A specialty-trained back, neck, or spine doctor may diagnose you with one of these back, spine, or neck conditions or injuries:
- Cervical myelopathy
- Sports-related spinal injury
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Nothing Cute About This Back Pain
Back pain continues to plague Americans. Millions of dollars get spent in healthcare for back pain. Furthermore, 8 of 10 Americans will see a doctor for back pain at some point. Lower back pain happens the most as this area holds up most of the bodys weight. Acute back pain is even more stressful. The sharp pain comes suddenly, lasting a few days or a few weeks. With the help of a doctor, and sometimes a neurologist, back pain sufferers can find relief.
Holistic And Osteopathic Specialists
In the event of chronic or severe back pain, many individuals tend to prefer to see osteopathic or holistic specialists. These types of doctors and professionals include osteopathic physicians and chiropractic specialists.
Osteopaths are put through the same training and licensing/certification processes that all medical doctors must obtain to practice medicine, but they tend to do additional studies of the musculoskeletal system. They then will prefer to treat pain problems medically, but with an additional emphasis on the potential lifestyle and environmental factors which may be contributing to the pain problem.
Chiropractors are trained in the proper alignment of the spine and may be able to provide some of the most immediate relief to back pain problems. This is done through periodic adjustments and treatments that attempt to maintain alignment and prevent further pain issues.
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Is Electrical Stimulation Good For Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes. It affects nearly 50% of people with diabetes throughout their life.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a nonpharmacological intervention for people suffering from peripheral neuropathy, especially when associated with diabetes. It doesnt involve taking medications or undergoing surgery, and it can be a safe option to supplement treatment plans or provide sufficient relief on its own.
Treatment For Testicular Pain
Im going to assume that youve had a normal exam, imaging tests and have never had a vasectomy. This leads us to our diagnosis of chronic testicular pain .
First and foremost, we recommend viewing this condition like headaches and backaches. Most headaches arent due to brain cancer. Most backaches dont require a visit to the spine surgeon. They are musculoskeletal in nature.
When muscles and nerves are irritated, most exams are normal. Unfortunately quick fixes are not always possible.
Here are some options for treating chronic testicular pain:
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When To See A Doctor For Back Pain
Back 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 to more serious . The type of discomfort ranges from a dull 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 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.
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When Should I See A Doctor For Back Pain
When your back first starts to hurt, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying ice in the first 48 hours. You may apply heat after 48 hours. You may need to take it easy for a while, but its best to stay as active as tolerated, and to avoid absolute bed rest, said Dr. Guo.
If your back pain lasts more than two weeks and keeps you from participating in normal, daily activities, see your family doctor. If your pain is severe, you should see a doctor sooner. You should seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Fever associated with back pain
- Back pain after trauma
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of strength in your arms and legs
- Unexplained weight loss associated with back pain
Also, always be more cautious if you have special risk factors for cancer, infection, or fractures that may affect the spine.
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How Do You Choose The Doctor Who Is Best Suited To Address Your Pain
Choosing a doctor can be confusing. As a chiropractor specializing in NUCCA spinal treatment and in pain management, weve seen new patients come into the office wondering about their medical options. Youre not alone when it comes to making this difficult choice.
Before you choose a doctor, it is probably best to know what each type of doctor actually does.
Neurosurgeons Who Treat Back Pain
Much of the time back pain is caused by nerve damage which happens to be a neurosurgeons specialty. The neuro in neurosurgeon refers to the nervous system, and these types of doctors specialize in treating and repairing any kind of conditions relating to nerves and the nervous system. The spine has the spinal cord and an array of nerves throughout which causes chronic back pain if pinched or damaged in any way. This system of the spine is related to the central nervous system, and the most common causes of back pain come from the lumbar section of these nerves or the cervical section. Lumbar is the medical term for the lower back, and cervical is the term for the neck.
Nerves in the spine can become pinched because of a sudden injury, or with age like in the case of osteoarthritis. Generally a neurosurgeon will attempt conservative treatment to start with, such as medicine, physical therapy, or injections to help reduce inflammation. If these types of treatments arent working, or the situation is very severe then surgery will be presented as an option.
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Help Which Doctor That Specializes In Back Pain Is Right For Me
There are clearly many different types of doctor that specialize in back pain. All of them focus on different types of back pain, different causes of the pain, and different types of treatment options. These are important factors to consider when you are deciding where to seek medical help. We understand that it can be difficult to try and know where to start, and it may feel frustrating as you try different options, seeking to find one that helps you.
We recommend trying a pain treatment clinic.
A pain treatment clinic is a one-stop shop for understanding and treating back pain. The clinic houses a number of different medical specialists, who are all highly trained in different areas, but all function as pain doctors, to relieve your pain. They will help you to diagnose the cause of your back pain, and work with you to find a treatment option that is likely to help, and suits your preferences.
Top Orthopedic Doctors For Back Pain In Northeast Tennessee
If you are experiencing back pain, its best to see an orthopedic physician for diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, back pain doesnt just go away on its own. There is often an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
At Watauga Orthopaedics, we have the best orthopedic doctors in the tri-cities area. Find out what makes us the best in the field in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. Call 282-9011 today to make an appointment or request one now. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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How Do I Make An Appointment
We have multiple locations throughout New York and New Jersey, enabling you to find one that is convenient. To book an appointment with one of our clinics, simply fill in the online form, or give us a call at 767-3227 . We look forward to hearing from you, and helping you to live a life without back pain!
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Types Of Doctors That Specialize In Back Pain
HARVARD TRAINED PAIN DOCTORS | VOTED #1 PAIN CENTER | PAIN TREATMENT SPECIALISTS
If you have back pain, there are a number of different specialists that can help. Back pain can be caused by a number of different reasons, and as a result, there are a number of different doctors that specialize in treating back pain in different ways. It can be difficult to know which type of doctor to see, so we have compiled a list of some of the most common back pain specialists, in order for you to make a more informed choice about your future treatment.
If you are experiencing severe pain and feel ready to find the best back pain doctor and book an appointment today, you can jump straight ahead to the bottom of this article and submit a contact form, or give us call at 767-3227. One of our team members will help you identify the best back pain doctor near you.
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Know The Proper Steps For Choosing A Doctor Who Treats Back Neck Or Back Pain
There are lots of options available for treating back neck and back pain. The most important step is proper diagnosis of your condition.
We understand that you need to explore all your options when you look for a doctor to treat your neck and back pain.
At Precision Spinal Care we are happy to help you determine the best way to address your specific needs. If we can help, we will. If we determine it is best for you to see a different specialist, we will help you find a doctor who can address your needs.
Your peace of mind and your spine are our first concerns!
Top 5 Clinics: Spine Specialist Dc Nj Nyc Or Worldwide
Our doctors see patients from around the world in their state-of-the-art facilities. And its not just the patients that travel across the globe for our expertise, physicians from all over the world come to train in our interventional techniques. If you want world-class care close to home, visit a back specialist near me at one of these convenient locations. Call us today to book an in-office visit or a telephone consultation from the comfort of home.
290 Madison Ave., Suite 203, New York, NY 10017
1117 Route 46, Suite 205, Clifton, NJ 07013
375 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Suite 205, West Orange, NJ 07052
140 NJ-17, Suite #103, Paramus, NJ 07652
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What Causes Lower Back Pain And When Should I Get Help
Orthopedic back and spine treatment usually starts with conservative approaches that include pain management, physical and occupational therapies, and rehabilitation. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reminds us that chronic back pain can get worse if left untreated, so its important to visit a doctor early on who can start you with the right treatment.
Some of the most common causes of lower back pain include:
