Countless millions of people have experienced episodes of back pain, and sadly, many individuals are afflicted by chronic back pain that disrupts their quality of life. If you are suffering from this issue, what should you do? What kind of doctor should you see? This blog post contains some helpful suggestions.
When to See a Doctor
Some very mild back injuries heal on their own and do not require medical intervention. If your back is sore or has mild discomfort, you can try at-home remedies, such as ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. If the problem gets worse or persists for more than a week or two, you may need to make an appointment with your doctor.
On the other hand, if your back pain is severe, or you were involved in a traumatic accident, you should seek medical help much sooner. Doing so is particularly urgent if you have symptoms like:
- Fever associated with back pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of strength in your limbs
- Unexplained weight loss associated with back pain
Choosing Your Doctor
Many different types of doctors treat back pain, including general physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more. Often, though, the best starting point is a non-surgical orthopedic physician. These doctors are experts in the musculoskeletal system, so they are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of back problems, including arthritis, degenerative disc disease, nerve problems, various types of injuries, and more.
Non-surgical orthopedists always favor conservative, non-invasive options whenever possible. If necessary, they can refer you to other doctors, such as a physical therapist or, in rare cases, an orthopedic surgeon.
What to Expect from Treatment
During your initial visit with your doctor, you will be asked to provide a thorough medical history. Be sure to include details such as when the back pain started, factors that cause it to get worse, and any illnesses that you have been diagnosed with.
Your medical team will perform a thorough evaluation, which may require X-rays or other types of imaging scans. After they gather relevant information, they can start to discuss a treatment plan. You might be a candidate for physical therapy, trigger point injections, a nerve block, or even regenerative medicine injections. Some alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, have also proven beneficial for many patients. The best treatment for you will depend on the specifics of your condition.
Back pain can put a damper on your life! Fortunately, many people are able to find relief by visiting a qualified non-surgical orthopedic physician.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, is an experienced sports medicine physician who offers a broad range of non-surgical orthopedic treatments. He is well-qualified to diagnose and address many different causes of back pain. His goal is always to provide optimum relief with treatments that have minimal impact on patients’ lives. If you are struggling with back pain, he and our team are ready to serve you. Contact Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine in Glastonbury at 860-430-9690.