SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
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Back Pain Relief: Where To Go

Where To Go For Pain Relief

Where to go for a back pain diagnosis can include your family doctor, the emergency room, an orthopedic surgeon, a naturopathic specialist, a rheumatologist, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, a massage therapist, an osteopath and a chronic pain heath care provider. And here is a brief overview of each.

FAMILY DOCTOR – This is a popular beginning point for many seeking back pain relief. Although family doctors generally do not have extensive orthopedic backgrounds nor sufficient time to schedule complete histories and examinations during regular hectic weekdays, they are often able to do preliminary testing and assessment. Their blood tests and general knowledge of your health and basic back care can help them point you to further resources and places for following up, especially if they deem the case an emergency. And hopefully your family doctor will be at the center or helm of your pain relief management so that all testing, treatments, office visits, etc. are coordinated and not left to chance, and also so that patient care is optimized.

EMERGENCY ROOM – When a family or general doctor is not available, some symptoms may warrant an emergency room visit. The following list of symptoms, though not limited to these, are what most often sends people to the emergency room for back pain relief: a major injury or trauma, history of osteoporosis, steroid medications or cancer, severe pain, fever, aggressive or quick weight loss for no known reason. The degree of suggested seriousness in the symptoms may determine how quickly a person is seen in the emergency room, with the more serious cases seen quicker.

Emergency room procedures can involve history and examination assessments and a series of blood, urine and other tests. Additionally, the emergency room physician may recommend a consultation with a specialist while you are there. Or they may recommend you to your family doctor or other treatment facility for follow up, depending upon their results.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON – Orthopedic medicine, in a nutshell, deals with the prevention or correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Surgeons in this field offer treatment for fractures, strains, arthritis, dislocations and other related problems throughout the entire body. Their treatments vary with surgery and non-surgical health care; structure repair, joint replacement, arthroscopy or the examination and possible treatment of the interior of a joint, like the knee, using a type of endoscope inserted into the joint through a small incision. Likewise, they coordinate healing activities during healing and pain relief stages. Note that some orthopedic surgeons specialize in the area of back pain relief, and a specialist based in spinal practice may be advisable.

NATUROPATHIC SPECIALIST – Naturopathic medicine refers to natural substances or remedies like a massage as treatments. Doctors in this field are educated in nutrition and herbal, botanical, homeopathic and Chinese medicines (including acupuncture). They may also treat with hands-on procedures and lifestyle consultations where preventative measures are a focus. These specialists may refer you to your family doctor and may also coordinate healthcare activities before, during and after your back pain episode for overall improved wellness. Often for back pain relief, they may advise natural supplements like herbal medicines or minerals along with dietary modifications. Physical therapy, acupuncture or message, combined with stress management and relaxation therapy may be added in for good measure.

RHEUMATOLOGIST – A rheumatologist deals with an array of pathological conditions like arthritis related to the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves or bones, when seeking aid for discomfort and disability. Although some may perform arthroscopy, most do not do surgery. For back pain relief, they may suggest medications, occupational or injection therapy and other medical treatment to determine cause and pain relief.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST – An occupational therapist emphasizes correct ergonomics or design factors, posture and safety practices both at the workplace and in the home environment. These therapists educate patients about daily life activities and can help with adjusting to health devices for mobility and operation. Adjusting to using crutches, a back brace, a cane and other lifestyle changes are benefits of occupational therapy.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST – Registered therapists practice physiotherapy and focus on educating and instructing patients about their pain - both in book learning and physical understanding, like with posture and movement modifications. Their shared knowledge helps patients overcome fear and anxiety and better manage their treatment programs. Doctors often refer patients to physiotherapists for extended learning, particularly if there is difficulty in diagnosing the cause and / or treatment for pain. Additionally, physiotherapists help with the development and managing of their healthcare programs, activities and preventive care instruction. For example, they may teach about using heat or ice along with a varied range of motions for pain relief.

CHIROPRACTOR – In a nutshell, chiropractors diagnose spine, joint and muscle problems with their hands. Their treatment is hands-on as well. For back pain relief, they use mobilizations and manipulations in manual spinal movements, some known as “cracking” the back into place. Although there is no scientific evidence to support or negate chiropractic treatment, most generally work with the relief of acute lower back pain. Besides in-office treatments, many provide exercise and preventative strategies for follow up.

ACUPUNCTURIST – Acupuncture, relating to Chinese medical practice, is the piercing of specific areas of the body with fine needles. The reasons for acupuncture are threefold: for therapeutic purposes, to relieve pain, or for regional anesthesia. It is mainly used for musculoskeletal pain, lower back pain and other related relief.

MASSAGE THERAPIST – Massage therapy incorporates hands-on handling or manipulation of body tissues, especially helpful for lower back pain relief. The reasons for massage vary: for relief from pain and muscle spasms associated with it, for relaxation, for stretching, improved circulation and metabolism.

OSTEOPATH – Osteopaths use Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) to practice medicine based on the theory that conditions in the musculoskeletal system affect other body parts. These conditions cause disorders that they believe can hopefully be corrected by manipulative techniques combined with traditional medical, pharmacological, surgical and other therapeutic strategies. Generally within 10 to 14 days osteopathy relieves lower back pain. But there is no evidence to suggest osteopathy as a preventative treatment long-term.

CHRONIC PAIN SPECIALIST – A chronic pain specialist is for rare cases and work in teams. He or she generally manages pain relief treatments with psychiatrists, social workers and other medical and counseling healthcare providers.

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