When to contact a specialist
by Admin
Posted on 05-03-2024 04:06 PM
Your primary care physician knows you best and should be your first contact for lower
back pain
. If he or she is unable to diagnose or treat the issue, you may get referred to a specialist, such as a rehabilitation physician (physiatrist).
These specialists practice a comprehensive approach to lower back pain , and can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that have lower back pain as a symptom. Later, you may get referred to a physical therapist, a chiropractor or another practitioner depending on the nature of your back pain. The good news is that surgery is rarely needed for lower back pain.
If you’re experiencing back pain of any kind that preoccupies you, makes it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks, and/or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to be seen by a spine specialist. Weill cornell medicine: comprehensive spine in new york, ny is one of the nation’s foremost providers of minimally invasive spinal surgery and treatments. Our experienced neurological professionals will be able to diagnose your condition , determine its severity, and help you identify the best course of action with regard to back pain treatment and management. Don’t let your back pain control your life; contact us today at 888-922-2257 to make an appointment to be seen by one of our expert physicians.
Learn more about back pain
Learning to lift correctly may help to prevent further episodes of back pain. Bend your knees when lifting and allow your spine to move as necessary, without twisting it. When doing tasks like carrying shopping, try and split the load between both hands.
Keeping the weight close to your body also helps.
Do you know what's causing your sore back? learn about some less obvious reasons for back pain -- from insomnia to your fashion choices -- and what you can do to feel better.
Chronic or acute pain?
General recommendations are to resume normal, or near normal, activity as soon as possible. However, stretching or activities that place additional strain on the back are discouraged. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees while lying on one side may increase comfort. Some doctors recommend lying on your back with a pillow under your knees. No specific back exercises were found that improved pain or increased functional ability in people with acute back pain. Exercise , however, may be useful for people with chronic back pain to help them return to normal activities and work. These exercises usually involve stretching maneuvers.
Back pain is categorized in a number of ways by medical professionals. You can describe your back pain by its location: upper, middle or lower back pain that’s on the left side, center or right side. You may also define different types of pain to your healthcare provider. Is your pain mild, moderate or severe? is the pain a broad ache or a smaller sharp stab? also, back pain can be categorized by how long it lasts. An acute episode is one that is sudden and brief, and often related to an injury. Chronic/persistent means your back pain has lasted more than three to six months.
If you've ever groaned, "oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months. Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help.
Lower back pain, sometimes called lumbago, may be caused by stress , kidney or bladder problems, sciatica (a pinched nerve), pregnancy , spinal infections, some cancers, and even everyday behaviors like sitting in the same position for extended periods of inactivity. The most common causes of lower back pain fall into two categories: acute pain: the result of an accident or trauma that causes a muscle strain, pinched nerve or disc injury. "these injuries often occur during movements such as heavy lifting, bending or twisting," says dering. Examples of such behaviors include weightlifting, a slip and fall or shoveling snow.
How long back pain lasts depends on its cause. For example, if your pain is caused by strain from overexertion, symptoms usually subside over days or weeks and you may be able to return gradually to your normal activities. However, you should avoid heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or sudden bending or twisting until your back gets better. Women who have back pain caused by the added weight of pregnancy almost always will get better after delivery. People who are obese may need to lose weight before back pain eases. People with back pain caused by pyelonephritis often begin to feel better within days after they start taking antibiotics, although they usually need to continue taking antibiotics for up to two weeks.
Improper lifting techniques can strain the back muscles immensely, leading to injuries and pain. When lifting heavy objects, it's essential to use proper body mechanics. Bend at the knees, not the waist. Lift with your legs. Keep the object close to your body. Avoid twisting while lifting. Don't attempt to lift objects that are too heavy. Instead, ask for assistance or use mechanical aids. Understanding and implementing correct lifting techniques can prevent unnecessary strain on the back muscles.