Many pain management practices have become multidisciplinary, so there are a variety of specialists on staff to administer lower back pain treatment and care for other back maladies. Determining the correct diagnosis through testing will determine what forms of treatment are best and, in turn, who should be treating your back pain.
Diagnostic testing for back pain
Typical tests physicians will use to diagnose your back condition will aim to determine your mobility (range of motion) and any areas of neural dysfunction. Doctors will also apply light to moderate pressure on your back to identify specific areas that are generating pain.
Pain management testing also sometimes includes a broader range of medical diagnostic tests. The facility may take urine and blood samples to determine if your pain stems from an infectious source. Digital X-rays can locate fractures and other bone problems. If the doctor suspects that your disc may be herniated, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CAT) scanning provide images for verification. Finally, electromyogram (EMG) tests provide information on neural and muscular issues.
Treatments for back pain
Once diagnostic testing is complete, your pain management facility will have a better idea of the specialists who should be charged with treating you. The goal of any back pain treatment is twofold: alleviation of discomfort and rehabilitation, so that your back returns to normal functionality.
Modification of your day-to-day movements and behaviors is the first step to treat any acute instances of pain. Icing can help to reduce swelling and discomfort, as can NSAIDs such as aspirin. Once the area is less inflamed, heat can be used to increase blood flow and flexibility to an injury.
However, over-the-counter (OTC) pain pills are not a long-term solution. Once the results of your pain management testing are understood, the primary focus of treatment will be to get you as active as possible without inflicting pain. Various physical therapy techniques can be extraordinarily helpful, and chiropractic care (whether spinal decompression or manual adjustments) may be advisable as well.
Physical therapy combines on-site treatments, along with stretching and exercising routines to perform at home. Lower back pain treatment accomplished through physical therapy includes ultrasound, heating, massage, exercise monitoring, and whirlpools.
Weston Medical is fully dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach, so we can help you figure out who the best specialists are to treat your condition. All that starts with an accurate diagnosis. Call us today to get started.
