How Treating Back Pain With a Doctor or Orthopedic Surgeon Can Help

Back pain is a prevalent complaint. Approximately 16 million adults experience chronic back pain. Whether you have chronic or acute pain, finding the proper way for treating back pain can help you return to a pain-free and functional life. But you may find yourself asking, “who do I see for back pain?”

The EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region doctors and orthopedic surgeons offer their expertise to diagnose and set up treatment plans for several back conditions. Before learning back pain treatments, it is important to know the most common back pain complaints. 

Common Types of Back Conditions Seen by Doctors for Back Pain

There are many contributors to back pain. The following are the most typical causes of back pain:

• Upper Back Pain

• Lower Back Pain

• Sciatica

• Chronic Back Pain

• Spinal Instability

• Spine Fractures

• Herniated Disc 

• Nervous System Disorders

• Scoliosis

• Slipped Vertebrae: Spondylolisthesis

• Sacroiliac Disorders

Back problems may worsen if you delay treatment. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment to seek treatment:

• Pain in the back, leg, or foot that feels worse when standing or walking

• Pain after lifting heavy objects

• Radiating pain from the neck to the arm/hand or from the back to the leg/foot

• Weakness in the arms

• Tingling or weakness in the legs or arms

• Dexterity problems

• Weakness concentrated in one area of the arm or leg

As stated, there are many treatment methods for back conditions, which are either noninvasive or invasive treatments.

Noninvasive Back Pain Treatments

Noninvasive treatments involve treating conditions without breaking the skin or entering the body. Frequent noninvasive methods for treating back pain include: 

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy programs reduce recovery time, increase mobility and strength, and improve the quality of life. 

• Lifestyle Changes/Modifications: If you work in manual labor, sit at a desk, or are an active athlete, these can impact back pain. Some modifications may need to take place, such as taking breaks, resting, or even limiting housework. In addition, cutting out nicotine can also decrease back pain. One study finds those who regularly use nicotine are more likely to develop chronic back pain.

• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications: Medications designed to reduce inflammation and pain can help your back feel better. You should schedule an evaluation with a back injury doctor before taking pain medications. 

• Spinal Manipulation: Spinal manipulations done by a professional like a chiropractor can reduce pain.

• Electromyograms (EMG): An EMG is a type of machine that helps track the source of nerve and muscle pain, so you can learn to relax them.

Most doctors for back pain will begin treating back pain with noninvasive methods. If noninvasive measures do not work, your doctor may suggest invasive approaches.

Invasive Back Pain Treatments

Invasive treatment measures are done with a deliberate incision, puncture, or injection into the body. There are two types of invasive measures: minimally invasive and invasive treatments.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Minimally invasive procedures generally have small incisions, which results in less pain, a shorter recovery period, and fewer complications. Minimally invasive measures for treating back pain include: 

• Cortisone injections: Cortisone reduces inflammation. When injected into tissues and joints, it helps alleviate pain caused by swelling.

• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation: This involves placing electrodes near the spinal cord that deliver a low-voltage electrical current to relieve pain.

• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: These procedures repair vertebral body compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. They include the injection of glue-like bone cement that hardens and strengthens the bone. 

• Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: The sacral joint connects the base of the spine to the pelvis, usually involving a very small incision that fuses the pelvis and sacrum.

• Screw Instrumentation: Screws are put in the spinal column to treat a deformity or trauma for spinal stabilization. 

Invasive Treatments

While health-care specialists can treat many back conditions nonoperatively, surgery may represent the best means for long-term relief. Invasive back pain treatments include:

• Spinal Fusion: This is the most invasive spinal surgery and also has the longest recovery time, which involves fusing vertebrae together using a bone graft or bone graft substitutes. 

• Laminectomy: A lower back surgery that removes bone from the vertebrae to release pressure on the nerves.

• Discectomy: A surgery that removes a portion of a bulging or herniated disc to alleviate the pressure on nerves causing pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness.

Regardless of the treatment measures you undergo, be sure to follow the recovery instructions of your doctor for the quickest and most effective recovery. 

How EmergeOrtho Can Help

The EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region specialists are board-certified with advanced training in the back, spine, and neck. Each doctor on the EmergeOrtho team has the skills and expertise to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the back. If you are looking at ways for treating back pain, request an appointment, self-schedule, or call (919) 220-5255 so you can Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better.