Back pain can range from minor to severe. It is the second most prevalent reason for doctor visits, after colds or fevers. Around 80% to 90% of Americans experience back pain. It is classified by doctors in several ways. You can describe left-, center-, or right-sided upper, middle, or lower back discomfort. You can also tell your doctor about different types of pain. Also, back pain can be classified by duration. Acute episodes are transient and generally injury-related. Back pain that lasts more than three to six months is chronic. Best back doctors in Dallas are known for their gentle treatment and successful back pain therapy. They offer specialized care and expertise, to reduce pain and increase quality of life.
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Causes of Back Pain?
Accidents, heavy lifting, physical activity, age-related spine changes, and medical problems can cause back discomfort. Causes of spine and back pain include:
- Arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis degeneration
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Trauma/injury
- Tumor
Evaluation and Diagnosis?
Interviewing you about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle and then examining you may provide your doctor with all the information they need. However, imaging tests are occasionally needed. They may include:
- X-rays
- MRI and CT scans
- Scan bones
- EMGs
Back Pain is Diagnosed By Which Doctors?
Back discomfort is commonly diagnosed by your primary care practitioner. They may refer you to a specialist or prescribe tests. Specialists may include:
- Physical therapist
- An osteopath
- The chiropractor
- Bone and joint orthopedic specialists.
If you’re having trouble managing your pain, your healthcare provider may suggest a therapist or psychiatrist. Best back doctors in Dallas can give you customized treatments plans to follow which will help you get back to your work life.
Why See a Pain Specialist?
Pain management doctors in Dallas help people identify and treat pain safely and efficiently, with few adverse effects. Medication is not required for these therapies. A holistic approach to pain management usually works better. Pain specialists know how to combine all pain relief methods for effectiveness. They use a variety of techniques, including physical therapy, acupuncture, nerve blocks, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to address the underlying causes of pain. By tailoring treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient, pain specialists can improve quality of life, enhance mobility, and reduce the risk of chronic pain conditions developing. Seeking the expertise of a pain specialist ensures that patients receive comprehensive care aimed at achieving long-term relief and overall well-being.
What Treatments Relieve Pain?
For back pain, consider and use numerous treatments, including promising new methods like high-frequency spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches strengthen lower back core muscles, enhance mobility and flexibility, and improve posture.
- Behavior modification: Proper body movement during daily activities, especially heavy lifting, pushing, and tugging, can reduce and avoid back discomfort. Physical activity, relaxation, sleep, and a good diet can all assist. Yoga, acupuncture, and massage have helped.
- A steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is injected into the epidural space. Multiple injections provide short-term alleviation and long-term function.
- Radiofrequency ablation: A pain specialist puts a needle into the painful nerve and zaps it with radio waves. It interrupts pain signals.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation works by sending low-voltage electric signals from a tiny device to the painful location through skin pads. This may temporarily relieve pain by blocking brain pain impulses or boosting endorphin production.
- An intrathecal pump delivers local anesthetics, opioids, and other pain medicines to your spinal cord with a button. This can provide assistance without the adverse effects of oral medications.
- High-frequency spinal cord stimulation: Early studies suggest that higher-frequency pulses can relieve pain without tingling or buzzing. Higher-frequency pulses may relieve pain better.
- Medications. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can help relax muscles. Gabapentin is being tested for efficacy. Most opioids should only be used to address severe back pain for a few days after an injury.
- Surgery. Surgery is usually a final resort once conservative methods fail. Some illnesses require immediate surgery. The Made for This Moment Back Surgery page discusses surgery and pain management.
Lower Back Pain Exercises
These lower back-supporting workouts strengthen and flex your muscles. Lower back discomfort can be chronic or acute. Back-strengthening exercises regularly will relieve lower back pain and prevent future episodes by strengthening abdominal, hip, and back muscles. The dallas pain specialists can recommend you following exercises :
Knee-to-Chest Stretch
This stretch is a simple workout warm-up. Lay on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Secondly, draw one knee into your chest with both hands. Then, tighten your abs and lower your spine. Hold for 5 seconds. Return to the start and repeat on the other side. Repeat this stretch 2–3 times in the morning and evening.
Lower Back Rotation Stretch
This is another simple muscle-preparation stretch. Lay on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Hold for 5–10 seconds with your shoulders on the floor and bent knees to one side. Restart and repeat on the other side. Two to three times a day, morning and night.
Glute Bridges
Glute and abdominal strength are the goals of this exercise. Lay on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Relax your shoulders and neck, contract your abs and glutes, and elevate your hips. Do not overextend your back. Take three deep breaths and hold the position for as long as possible. Return to the start. Start with 5 repetitions, then increase to 30.
Lower Back Flexibility Exercise
This low-intensity exercise strengthens your lower back and abs. Lay on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Then, tighten your abdominal muscles to lift your stomach away from your waistline. Hold for 5 seconds. Flatten your back and draw your belly button down. After holding for five seconds, allow yourself to unwind. Increase this stretch from 5 to 30 repetitions.
Sitting Lower Back Rotation Stretch
Avoid twisting too much to damage your back during this exercise. Sit on an armless chair or stool. Place your right leg over your left leg. Twist and stretch to the side with your left elbow against your right knee, gently pushing to deepen the stretch. Hold for 10 seconds, focusing on your breathing and maintaining a straight back. Repeat on the other side by crossing your left leg over your right leg and using your right elbow against your left knee. You can do this 3–5 times per side, twice a day. This stretch helps improve spinal mobility, reduce lower back tension, and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine at home or at the office. Regular practice can contribute to better posture and overall back health.
Last Words
Back discomfort may go away on its own, but if you don’t know the source, you should get therapy. Many back pain bouts resolve on their own with treatment. Sometimes you require prescription medication or injections from your doctor. Rarely, surgery may be performed.
Prevention is wonderful news for back pain sufferers who want to avoid it again. Daily stretches, yoga, and strength training strengthen and fortify your back and core. Best back doctors in Dallas prioritize patient comfort first and use cutting-edge procedures to treat back pain with accuracy and understanding.
Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding heavy lifting are also crucial steps in preventing back pain. Incorporating ergonomic furniture and tools into your daily routine can significantly reduce strain on your back. Additionally, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help detect and address any early signs of back issues before they become severe. By taking proactive measures and seeking expert care when needed, you can manage and alleviate back pain effectively, ensuring a healthier and more active lifestyle.
