If you’re suffering from back pain, you might be wondering whether you should see a doctor. Back pain is a common ailment, with around 80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. However, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. In this article, we’ll go over when you should see a doctor for back pain and what you can expect when you visit us at New Jersey Back Center.
When to See a Doctor for Back Pain
If you’re experiencing back pain, you might be wondering when it’s time to see a doctor. Here are a few instances when it’s a good idea to make an appointment:
- You’re experiencing pain that doesn’t go away after a few days.
- You have unexplained weight loss that accompanies your back pain.
- You’re experiencing nerve pain, which can feel like a shooting or burning sensation.
- You’re having problems with bowel or bladder control.
- Your back pain is accompanied by a fever.
- You’ve recently fallen or experienced trauma to your back.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor. At New Jersey Back Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating back pain. Our interventional pain specialists are board-certified and have years of experience in treating patients with back pain.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
When you visit us at New Jersey Back Center, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation from one of our interventional pain specialists. We’ll ask you about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination to determine the root cause of your back pain. If necessary, we’ll also order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to help us diagnose your condition accurately. Once we’ve determined the cause of your back pain, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
At New Jersey Back Center, we specialize in minimally invasive pain treatments that don’t involve opioids or surgery. We believe in treating the root cause of your back pain rather than just masking your symptoms with medication. Our treatments are designed to provide long-term relief, so you can get back to your daily activities without pain.
Common Causes of Back Pain
There are many different causes of back pain. Here are a few of the most common:
- Muscle strain: This occurs when you overuse or injure your muscles, causing them to become inflamed.
- Herniated disc: This occurs when one of the discs in your spine ruptures, causing the gel-like substance inside to leak out and irritate nearby nerves.
- Osteoarthritis: This occurs when the cartilage in your spine breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other.
- Spinal stenosis: This occurs when the space around your spinal cord narrows, putting pressure on the nerves.
- Scoliosis: This is a condition where your spine curves to the side, causing pain and discomfort.
If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s essential to determine the cause so that we can develop an effective treatment plan.
OTC Pain Relievers
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate back pain, you might be tempted to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever. While these medications can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of your pain. Additionally, they can have side effects if used for an extended period. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor rather than relying on OTC pain relievers.
Physical Therapist
In addition to seeing a doctor, you might also benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help strengthen your back muscles, improve your posture, and reduce your pain. Our team at New Jersey Back Center works closely with physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address all aspects of your back pain.
Interventional Pain Specialists
At New Jersey Back Center, we specialize in interventional pain treatments. These are minimally invasive procedures that are designed to relieve pain without opioids or surgery. Here are a few of the interventional pain treatments we offer:
- Epidural steroid injections: This involves injecting steroids into the epidural space around your spinal cord to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Facet joint injections: This involves injecting medication into the joints between your vertebrae to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This involves using radio waves to disrupt the nerves that are causing your pain.
- Spinal cord stimulation: This involves using a small device to send electrical signals to your spinal cord to disrupt the pain signals.
All of our interventional pain treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. They’re also performed under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain.
If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan. At New Jersey Back Center, we specialize in interventional pain treatments that provide long-term relief without opioids or surgery. Our team of board-certified interventional pain specialists will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. We offer free insurance verification before your first appointment, and we have locations in Clifton, West Orange, Paramus, and Woodland Park. Don’t suffer from back pain any longer – contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Recent Comments