What Type Of Doctor Should You See For Back Pain

Natural Ways To Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

• Causes

Ever wake up feeling agonizing pain all the way from your upper thighs to your feet? Do you deal with nagging lower back pain that spreads downward through your buttock and wont seem to quit no matter what you try? You could be dealing with sciatic nerve pain, also called sciatica, which causes painful throbbing in the lower back and limbs. The pain radiates down the body and can be a symptom of spinal stenosis. Its also closely related to piriformis syndrome since the piriformis muscle is near the sciatic nerve.

The problem all starts in the lower spine and can come and go, but one things usually certain when sciatic nerve pain rears its ugly head, youre dealing with a whole lot of discomfort that can quickly ruin your day. Given that the sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body, this makes sense.

The good news is there are remedies for back pain that treat sciatic nerve pain and improve spine health. What are these natural sciatica treatments, and what causes this debilitating lower-body pain? Lets investigate.

Are You Looking For An Experienced Neck Pain Specialist Who Can Help You Relieve Your Pain Look No Further Than Modern Pain Management We Have Experienced Pain Management Doctors Who Provide A Variety Of Treatment Options For Neck Pain For More Information Please Call Us Or Book An Appointment Online We Serve Patients From Houston Tx Sugar Land Tx Pearland Tx Jersey Village Tx Missouri City Tx Stafford Tx And Richmond Tx

Many people suffer from neck pain, with many cases being chronic ones. If youre suffering from this kind of pain, then youll find lasting solutions here at Modern Pain Management where pain relief is our practice. Contact us today for long-lasting neck pain treatment in Houston, TX and Sugar Land, TX!

What Is The Relation Between Neck Pain And Headache

The common headaches causes are often related to neck issues. Headache can be a result of muscle tension and trigger points. The suboccipital muscles are located at the base of the skull. Their contraction can result in recurring migraines. The contraction of these muscles can be due to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. These muscle spasms can happen at any age but are more commonly seen in adults and teenagers.

When searching for a neck specialist near me, your results will provide many options. Keep looking until you find a pain doctor that uses the latest minimally-invasive treatments. Dont wait to get professional neck pain treatment. Prevent serious complications that may reduce your mobility and cause permanent damage. Contact the best sports injury doctor in NJ of Redefine Healthcare or visit one of the convenient locations in Union, Paterson, Clifton, and Edison, New Jersey.

You May Like: How To Loosen Lower Back

When To See An Orthopedic Doctor For Back Pain

Back pain is a fairly common occurrence, especially among active adults and the elderly. The pain can come and go, or it may persist. Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether it warrants medical attention.

Here are a few guidelines to help you decide when to see an orthopedic doctor. An orthopedic doctor specializes in the health of bones and joints and can diagnose and treat back pain that is caused by a variety of musculoskeletal ailments.

How Can You Tell When Back Pain Is Serious

Occurring anywhere from the ribcage to the buttocks, lower back pain is often the result of twisting, lifting, stretching or reaching. In most cases, upper and middle back pain does get better with time and rest. You should immediately visit the closest emergency department if your back pain is unrelenting and not relieved by rest. You should also seek emergency care if the pain is experienced with any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Bladder or bowel incontinence

Back pain may signify a more serious issue for individuals with certain medical conditions. You should visit an emergency department if you have any of these medical conditions and are experiencing severe or chronic back pain:

• History of cancer
• Recent immunosuppression, either from surgery or prescribed drugs
• Any recent trauma or injury, especially in the elderly
• Prolonged use of steroids

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Back Strain Pain

How To Test If You Have Sciatica

Sciatica is a group of distinct symptoms causing intense, sometimes debilitating pain down the sciatic nerve.nearly 40 percent of people experience sciatic pain at some point, and while the pain

Sciatica is a group of distinct symptoms causing intense, sometimes debilitating pain down the sciatic nerve.According to Harvard Health,Verified SourceHarvard HealthBlog run by Harvard Medical School offering in-depth guides to better health and articles on medical breakthroughs.View sourcenearly 40 percent of people experience sciatic pain at some point, and while the pain is severe, the symptoms typically pass on their own.

Sciatica is rather common as its a result of different diseases or conditions pinching the sciatic nerve. With the correct diagnosis, the condition can be treated and the pain will eventually subside.

To diagnose sciatica, doctors complete two physical exams to measure the pressure on your sciatic nerve. We share how you can complete these same tests at home and discuss more what sciatica is. If you believe you have sciatica, speak to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.

Yoga And Low Back Pain

Crippling Pain In My Mid Back On The Left Side What Kind Of Doctor Should You See For Low Back Buttock Hip Pain Causes Of Lower Back Fatigue And Pain I Have Lower Back Pain From My Fooam Topper. Keep Getting Pain In Lower Back Upper Back Pain After Running On Treadmill Chiropractic With Low Back Pain.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Sharp Lower Back Pain

How Long Should You Wait To See A Doctor For Shoulder Pain

Shoulder injuries are prevalent, especially in athletes who use repetitive motions in their sport such as think swimmers, tennis players, pitchers, and weightlifters. While common in athletes, injuries can occur during everyday activities too.

A countless number of people live with shoulder pain every day. If you are one of those people experiencing weakness or have trouble lifting above shoulder level, you should consult one of our surgeons.

Continue reading below to learn about shoulder pain, and when to see a doctor.

How Common Is Back Pain

If youre like most Americans, youll probably have back pain at some point in your life. Four in five adults suffer from low back pain. Luckily, most back pain goes away within one to two weeks. But if your pain is long-term or chronicand if you have certain symptoms with your low back painyou may want to see a spine specialist.

Don’t Miss: What Doctor Do I See For Lower Back Pain

How Long Do Damaged Nerves Take To Heal

If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of rest following your injury. Some people notice continued improvement over many months.

What Is A Pain Treatment Clinic

A pain treatment clinic, such as Pain Treatment Specialists, is exactly what it sounds like. A group of diverse medical professionals who are dedicated to relieving your chronic pain, no matter the cause. This way, you do not have to search for different doctors that specialize in back pain, they are all in one facility for your convenience. At Pain Treatment Specialists, we focus on pain relief that does not involve large surgeries or addictive painkillers, but options that target the source of your pain in the least invasive way possible.For example, instead of spinal surgery, we like to try methods such as Sacroiliac Joint Injections, to treat back inflammation and numb the corresponding pain. We have a number of different doctors that specialize in back pain, as well as other types of pain. We work directly with you throughout the whole journey, to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan that you are comfortable with.

Our team of pain treatment specialists are highly trained in many different causes and treatments of back pain. All of our back pain doctors were trained at Ivy-League schools, and work out of state of the art facilities. At Pain Treatment Specialists, we are constantly researching new and improved methods of treatment, to ensure that our patients receive the finest care. We operate as part of the VIP Medical Group, who are some of the top pain treatment institutes in New York and New Jersey.

Also Check: What Can Pregnant Women Do For Back Pain

What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Neck And Shoulder Pain

An orthopedist is a specialist in the human musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine and the bodys joints, bones, ligaments, nerves, and tendons. This means that this doctor can help with both neck and shoulder pain, as well as pain in other areas of the body.

For neck and shoulder pain in particular, an orthopedist can diagnose the underlying cause of the pain, treat and help you manage the pain, help you with your posture and with avoiding pain in the future, and help improve your range of motion.

Should You See A Neurologist For Back And Neck Pain

People often think of a chiropractic doctor for chronic pain, but neurologists also diagnose and treat back pain and neck pain. Neurologists specialize in conditions and diseases that affect the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system this often includes chronic pain in the back and neck.

Talk to your primary care provider if you experience chronic back pain or neck pain. Your doctor can help you determine if you should see a specialist, such as a neurologist, for your symptoms. Some health insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic to schedule an appointment with our board-certified neurologists in Northwest Arkansas.

Don’t Miss: How To Self Treat Lower Back Pain

Sciatica Treatment At Home

Many cases of sciatica will resolve in a few days. If you experience sciatica symptoms, you can:

• Rest: Decreasing your activity can help minimize additional irritation of the sciatic nerve and give the area time to heal. Bedrest, however, is not recommended. Its best to get up and move around gently. Avoid any movements that lead to increased pain.

• Stretch: Stretching exercises of the low back can help relieve nerve compression. Avoid twisting the back. Aim for slow, gradual stretches.

• Use cold packs: Applying an ice pack to the irritated area can provide some relief. You can ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, a few times per day. Cold therapy is most helpful soon after symptoms begin.

• Apply heat: If your symptoms have persisted for more than two or three days, try heat instead of cold. Use a heating pad or hot packs.

• Take anti-inflammatory medication: Ibuprofen and naproxen are over-the-counter medicines that relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

When To See The Doctor

Most shoulder injuries result from issues with the ligaments, tendons and muscles. Injuries can develop over time as the result of repetitive use or ignoring the warning signs of a problem. Occasionally, an injury will occur during or after an accident.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following:

• Seeking immediate attention: If you are experiencing shoulder pain with difficulty breathing or feelings of tightness in your chest, you may be experiencing a heart attack. You require immediate medical attention. You should also seek immediate medical attention if your shoulder pain is caused by an injury. Please seek help right away if you are experiencing a joint that appears deformed, the inability to use the joint, intense pain, or sudden swelling.
• Scheduling an office visit: Make an appointment with your doctor when possible if you are experiencing swelling, redness, or tenderness and warmth around the joint. Do not wait to make an appointment if you feel any level of pain.
• Self-care: If you are experiencing minor shoulder pain, you can try pain relievers, resting and using ice to alleviate the uncomfortable. Avoid using your shoulder in ways that can potentially worsen your discomfort.

Read Also: Do Orthotics Help Back Pain

Learn About The Different Back Pain Specialists

When a back problem occurs, it’s typically a good idea to first consult with a primary care physician. This doctor will conduct an initial exam and, depending on the findings, he or she may refer you to a spine specialist.

If you are referred to a specialist for chronic back pain, it will likely be to one of the following:

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.

You May Like: What Insoles Are Best For Lower Back Pain

Herniated Disk Stenosis Or Degenerative Disk Disease

A headache caused by a pinched or inflamed nerve will often start with a stiff neck with pain that radiates to the shoulders or lower back and head. In general, there are three common causes of a pinched nerve in the neck associated with headaches: herniated disk, cervical spinal stenosis , or degenerative disk disease.

A herniated or ruptured cervical disk results from a crack or tear in the jelly-like disk between vertebrae that protrudes out and pushes on a nerve or causes inflammation of a nerve.

Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. It is sometimes caused by an inherited, naturally narrow spinal canal, more often it results from degenerative changes in the spine such as osteoarthritis. This can occur with repetitive injuries from sports, work accidents or poor posture, which can cause bone spurs or bony projections to grow narrowing the spinal canal.

Degenerative disk disease results from wear and tear on the spongy disks separating the vertebrae usually associated with aging. As with many tissues in the body, the disks can become compressed and less elastic allowing the bones to rub together causing pain.

How Do I Know If I Have Sciatica Or Piriformis Syndrome

Both sciatica and piriformis syndrome cause sciatic nerve pain and have similar symptoms, the causes of the conditions are different.

Piriformis syndrome is caused by anatomic changes in the piriformis muscle. The muscle is located across the femur and outer section of the hips and rotates the hip. The syndrome causes buttock pain or spasms and can irritate and compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatic pain. Unlike sciatica, the pain begins in the buttocks, not the lower back.

On the other hand, sciatica is not a syndrome or condition. Its a variety of symptomsnamely, the sharp pain radiating down one leg, weak legs, lower back pain, and a tingling sensation in the legs and feetcaused by other medical conditions and affects the lower spinal nerves.

Read Also: How To Get Instant Back Pain Relief

What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do

An orthopedic doctors main focus is narrower than a neurologists. The better part of an orthopedic doctors day is spent on treating injuries of the spine, back, and neck. They also follow their patient from the start of treatment all the way through to recovery. They are with patients every step of the way including diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation, all the while following up on a patients progress until rehabilitation is completed.

Back Pain Treatment At Home

The good news is that, given time, most back pain gets better on its own. Over-the-counter pain medication may help ease your symptoms. You can also try applying hot or cold packs to reduce your back pain. Both heat and cold stimulate the nerves so use whichever you prefer and see what works best for you. Doctors more commonly recommend heat to relax tight muscles, but you may find ice reduces swelling. Use your heat or cold pack for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Dont apply the heat or cold treatment directly to skin. Rest and avoiding activities that especially put strain on your back may also help while you heal. However, doctors dont generally recommend bed rest when your back hurts.

Don’t Miss: Can Lying Down Too Much Cause Back Pain

Should I Go To An Orthopedic Doctor For Back Pain

But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor. Start with someone who specializes in nonsurgical treatment for back pain. This can include a physiatrist, chiropractor, or orthopaedic physician assistant.

When To See A Doctor For 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 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 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.

Don’t Miss: Is Foam Mattress Good For Back Pain