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FAQs:
What is a Back Pain Specialist?
A back pain specialist is a medical professional who has dedicated their career to understanding the complexities of our spinal cord. These specialists may come from varied training backgrounds – some are orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons, while others might be physiatrists specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They help reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life by targeting the root cause of your symptoms rather than just treating them superficially.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain includes pain that affects any area of your spine or the surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues. Back pain can affect any area of the back, but it most commonly affects the lower back. Back pain can be categorized as either acute or chronic. Acute pain typically lasts for a short period and often has an identifiable cause, such as an accident or injury. In contrast, chronic pain persists for more than three months and generally requires a different approach to management, as it can fluctuate in intensity and may not have a clear origin.
Who Gets Back Pain?
Anyone can have back pain, and almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life. Several factors increase your risk of developing back pain and can include:
1. Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. For example, weak back and stomach muscles may not properly support the spine (core strength). Back pain is also more likely if you exercise too strenuously after being inactive for a while (overdoing it).
2. Weight gain: A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity. This can put stress on the back.
3. Job-related risk factors: Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you have poor posture or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
4. Stress level: If you chronically have poor sleep, depression, or anxiety, back pain can be more frequent and more severe.
5. Age: Back pain becomes more common with age, particularly after the age of 45.
6. Heredity: Genetics play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.
How Do I Know if Back Pain is Muscle or More Serious?
Back pain caused by muscles may fade after a few days. Back pain from sore or stiff muscles will not cause long-term damage to your back, but if the pain proceeds for two weeks or more and causes a disruption in your daily activities, you should consult with a doctor. Back pain caused by the muscles is more localized in one location and may only hurt when you’re in a specific physical position or when you move in a certain way. If the back pain is severe, then pain may extend to muscles in the buttocks or hips.
What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain affects the lumbar region of your spine or back. It can result from many different injuries and conditions. Most often, the cause is an injury to muscles or tendons in your back. Nearly everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild to severe. For most, it’s temporary. But long-lasting (chronic) lower back pain is also common — up to 23% of adults worldwide have chronic lower back pain. In extreme cases, lower back pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work, or do everyday activities.
How Long Does Back Pain Last?
How long your back pain lasts will depend on its cause. For example:
- Back pain caused by strain from overexertion usually subsides over days or weeks.
- Back pain caused by the weight of pregnancy will usually be relieved after delivery of the baby.
- People who are obese may need to lose weight before back pain eases.
- Back pain caused by pyelonephritis is often relieved within days of starting antibiotics.
- People with more serious forms of back pain caused by problems with the vertebrae or spinal nerves may have more persistent back pain that lasts for months and may last for years.
What are the Red Flags for Back Pain?
Back pain is incredibly common and in many cases doesn't signal a concerning medical problem, but there are some signs indicating that it may be caused by something serious. Back pain that becomes worse at night, for example, maybe a sign of cancer. A fever accompanying new back pain could signal an infection. Age, numbness, and incontinence are also red flags to consider when assessing what's causing back pain.
How Can I Tell What Kind of Back Pain I Have?
When it comes to back pain, one size doesn’t fit all. Not only can pain occur anywhere along the spine or in the adjoining muscles, but it can vary drastically in intensity and frequency. Back pain of any kind can be either acute or chronic. If the pain is acute, symptoms are generally sudden and temporary. In chronic cases, however, the pain returns regularly, over time—sometimes unpredictably—and can make everyday activities difficult.
Does Drinking Water Help Back Pain?
Dehydration can cause serious illness and complicate existing medical problems, especially in kids and older populations. Perhaps less well known, increasing the amount of water you drink could help alleviate, or even eliminate frequent back pain. Dehydration directly affects the spine and pulls fluids from all parts of the body to support the brain, leaving joints, discs, and other connective tissue in the body weak and unable to provide cushioning or support. This makes movement difficult, stiff, and oftentimes painful.
How to Tell If Back Pain is Muscle or Organ?
Your back pain is likely muscular, rather than organ-related if the area feels sore, tight, swollen, and/or bruised. On the other hand, if your back pain feels like it’s only one side of the back, it may be related to the organ in the affected area. Organ-related back pain also tends to be achy and generalized, while muscular pain is typically sharp and more specific. It’s worth noting that organ problems are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
Types of Back Pain Specialists
When dealing with back pain, knowing which specialist to consult can make a significant difference in your treatment and recovery. From orthopedic surgeons to physical therapists, various professionals offer expertise in diagnosing and managing back pain. In this guide, we explore nine types of back pain specialists you should be aware of, helping you find the right support for your specific needs.
1. Family Doctors and General Practitioners
Family doctors and general practitioners are often the initial point of contact for back pain. They help identify potential causes, perform tests, and refer patients to specialists as needed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to treatment.
2. Emergency Room Healthcare Providers
Emergency room healthcare providers are the first responders for back pain during acute emergencies requiring immediate care. They manage physical injuries or sudden back dysfunctions with the potential for serious health consequences. After providing initial treatment, they refer patients to specialists for ongoing care. Their assessments are crucial for guiding specialists in determining the appropriate medical approach for back pain.
3. Pediatricians
Infants and children can suffer from various forms of back pain. Pediatricians are essential intervention points as they offer specialized care for children and infants. Their expertise in the functioning of the human body in its nascent stage helps formulate treatment plans and provides better care than general physicians. Pediatricians work closely with specialists and ensure that the individual can access the required medical attention.
4. Orthopedists and Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are specialists in the functioning of the exo-muscular system of the human body. Their area of expertise with the muscles and skeletal system offers a range of accurate diagnoses and possible treatments, which includes surgery. They can also perform a series of tests and scans, provide insights on the possible cause of back pains, and offer treatment plans for the distress.
5. Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are medical professionals who specialize in treating autoimmune diseases concerning bones and joints. They offer deep insight into conditions such as arthritis, its management, and treatment plans. Rheumatologists can be consulted when pain persists in swelling or restricted movements when there are no visible injuries or other reasons for the pain in the back. Arthritis has several types, each with its unique symptoms and treatment plans. This is crucial to managing chronic illness in the long run.
6. Neurologists and Neurosurgeons
In some cases, back pains can have neurological implications. Injuries to the spine, nerves, and tissues that allow connection of the nervous system can be injured, resulting in poor communication between muscles and the spinal cord resulting in such injuries. Neurosurgeons and neurologists for back pain become integral to treating such conditions. They can perform surgeries or tend to such injuries that can help reduce pain and improve the function of the nervous system.
7. Osteopathic Specialists
Osteopathic specialists are medical professionals who spend more time understanding the excommunicated system. They treat the pain medically and offer insights into lifestyle, physical engagement, and other external inputs that can help reduce pain in the back.
8. Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists and chiropractors are trained medical professionals who engage in physical interventions for the bones and related areas. A physiotherapist can offer insight into reducing pain through exercises and changes in our day-to-day practices. They can provide medication-free insights that strengthen muscles and joints and effectively treat such pains.
9. Chiropractors
Chiropractors are trained medical professionals who specialize in working with the adjustment of the spine and other joints. Their knowledge of the human spine and its impact on other ailments and functions of the body can help reduce such injuries and medical conditions.
5 Reasons to See a Back Pain Specialist
Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the US and worldwide. Although the occasional backache due to travel or sleeping position is normal, chronic back pain can leave you desperate for solutions. However, you might be unsure whether to speak to a primary care provider or a specialist for your chronic back pain. Here are five important reasons we encourage you to speak to a specialist when your back hurts.
1. Accurate diagnoses
The best treatment plan starts with an accurate diagnosis. A back pain specialist is more likely to be able to diagnose you accurately than your primary care provider.
2. Precise treatment plan
Once specialists figure out the root cause of your back pain, they focus on determining the precise location of the problem. If disc issues are causing you pain, it’s important to know exactly where your damaged disc is located. Similarly, if your pain is neuropathic, a specialist can pinpoint what nerves to focus on for treatment.
3. More treatment options
Seeing a specialist for back pain ensures that you have an arsenal of treatment options that a primary care provider may not be able to provide. You have access to a variety of treatments for back pain, including:
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, including spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement, and decompression surgery
- Prescription pain medication
- Muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
When you see a specialist for back pain, your care doesn’t stop once you leave the office. They provide lifestyle changes that help reduce back pain. This includes exercise recommendations, at-home stretches, and smoking cessation.
4. Advanced surgical options
Specialists spend years dedicated to their specific subject, and the education never ends. Compared to generalists, specialists can not only diagnose your condition, they can often perform advanced surgical options if needed.
5. Care for complex cases
Although back pain is common, no two cases are ever identical. You might have underlying conditions that make treatment planning more complicated. While primary care providers can help with some uncomplicated cases of back pain, specialists have the training to treat both straightforward cases and more complex ones. Additionally, if you see a primary care provider for back pain, they often refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. By seeing a specialist first, you can ensure continuity of care regardless of the complexity of your case.
When to See a Back Pain Specialist
Back pain often resolves with rest and home treatment. However, ongoing back pain that disrupts your life is cause to see a spine specialist for more in-depth diagnosis and treatment.
Make an appointment to see a back pain specialist if:
1. Pain increases in severity or spreads down your legs
2. Pain worsens or doesn’t improve within seven to 10 days
3. You experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in your arms or legs
4. You have difficulty urinating or lose bowel or bladder control
5. You have difficulty walking or standing
6. Pain worsens at night or when you lie down
7. You have other signs of illness, including unexplained weight loss or fever
Types of Back Pain
Doctors and researchers describe the types of back pain in the following ways:
1. Acute back pain happens suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks.
2. Subacute back pain can come on suddenly or over time and lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
3. Chronic back pain may come on quickly or slowly lasts longer than 12 weeks and occurs daily.
The Most Common Reasons for Back Pain
Ongoing or chronic back pain is a more serious issue that typically requires a medical evaluation. The spine and back are complex structures vulnerable to damage from injury, disease, lifestyle factors, and more. Overuse of daily activities, poor posture, or ongoing strenuous activity can also disrupt your back’s structure and cause pain. Some of the most common conditions that lead to back pain include the following.
1. Spinal Arthritis
When the joints between the spinal vertebrae shrink or become too thin, usually from age or overuse, the result is often inflammation and pain. Arthritis also increases the risk of painful bone spurs in the spine.
2. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The two sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine connect the spine and pelvis. Injury or strain on this joint from excess weight, pregnancy, poor posture, or other lifestyle factors can cause lower back pain that radiates to the buttocks, thighs, groin, and upper back.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is an age-related condition where the spinal column narrows and puts pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord. Spinal stenosis causes lower back pain and leg weakness that affects balance and your ability to walk.
4. Lumbar Radiculopathy
Also known as sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy is a pinched nerve in the lower back that results in burning or tingling sensations in the back and legs and severe pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The National Library of Medicine estimates up to 40% of adults will experience sciatica in their lives.
5. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is one or more slipped vertebrae, usually due to wear and tear that degenerates the disk. The condition may also be congenital or occur in athletes that put stress on their spines.
6. Herniated Discs
One of the most common causes of lower back pain, a herniated disc (also known as a slipped or ruptured disc), is a condition where the cushioning between the spinal vertebrae sustains damage. The disc may bulge, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves or tendons, or rupture and leak fluid that irritates the surrounding tissue. Herniated discs are usually the result of wear and tear but can occur after an injury.
How to Prevent Back Pain
Improving one's physical condition and learning and practicing how to use the body might help prevent back pain.
To keep the back healthy and strong:
1. Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are good choices because they don't strain or jolt the back. Talk with your healthcare team about which activities to try.
2. Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the body's core, help condition these muscles so that they work together to support the back.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked each day, so quitting can help reduce this risk.
Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. To use the body properly:
1. Stand smart. Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
2. Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its typical curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half hour.
3. Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, bend only at the knees, and don't twist. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
How to Get Rid of Back Pain
The cause of your back pain determines the treatment. For your back pain you may feel better with:
- Cold packs and/or heating pads.
- Stretching exercises.
- Massages.
- Surgery.
- Antibiotics.
- Cortisone.
- Traction.
- Physical therapy.
- Other over-the-counter and prescribed muscle relaxants, steroids, and pain medications.
- Exercise — specifically strengthening exercises.
- Chiropractic care.
- Acupuncture.
Noninvasive Back Pain Treatments
The severity, source, and type of your back pain will guide your treatment plan, and conservative options are usually the first step. If these solutions don’t provide enough relief, you may be a candidate for spine surgery.
1. Complementary Pain Management
A range of experts can help you understand the mental and emotional aspects of back pain, develop skills and strategies to cope with it, and improve your quality of life. More holistic options like massage therapy, biofeedback, and meditation could resolve your back pain on their own, or they may complement more traditional treatments.
2. Acupuncture
Using fine needles placed strategically in the skin, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and releases chemicals that promote healing.
3. Chiropractic Care
A skilled chiropractor uses spinal manipulation and other manual methods to help relieve back pain and other symptoms such as numbness and tingling, loss of strength, or pain in the arms or legs. These hands-on techniques stretch and move the spine to restore mobility to joints restricted by injury or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support. Our chiropractors can also teach you exercises for improving strength and flexibility and incorporating safe movements and proper posture into your daily activities.
4. Physical Therapy
A trained physical therapist guides you in exercises and stretches designed to strengthen your back, improve your balance and flexibility, and improve your range of motion -- all benefits that can alleviate your pain and protect your spine from future injury. Physical therapists will teach you stretches and exercises to do on your own to prevent further episodes of spine pain.
5. Medication
Medications include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription-grade anti-inflammatory drugs, and occasionally short courses of muscle relaxers, nerve-pain medicines, and more. Our back doctors balance medication recommendations with risks of side effects, dependency, or other unwanted reactions.
6. Short-Term Bracing
In some cases, including trauma and fractures or instability of the spine, your doctors may recommend wearing a rigid or semi-rigid back brace for a short time. This stabilizes your spine, allowing it to heal and help prevent additional injury.
7. Electrical Stimulation
A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit can be used in your doctor’s office or at home. A portable version is small enough to hold in your hand. When you are experiencing pain, you place reusable electrodes on your back and attach them with wires to the TENS device. Then you turn on the device to deliver mild electricity (it should not hurt) through your skin for 15 to 30 minutes. This stimulates your nerves and stops pain receptors in the brain.
13 Best Exercises and Stretches for Lower Back Pain
Exercises for lower back pain are something that should be included in your daily routine, particularly if you are experiencing pain such as sciatica or stiffness, or if you’re just starting to get older, one of the many causes of lower back pain. Here are the best exercises and stretches for lower back pain as chosen by our team of experienced physiotherapists. Be sure to start slow and monitor your pain as you perform them.
1. Knee to Chest
Laying on your back, gently pull your knees to your chest, hold for a second or so, and release, repeating the movement in a pulsing manner. Do this for about 20 seconds at a time, release, and repeat up to 5 times. You can perform the whole sequence up to 3 times per day.
2. Knee Rotation
With your feet on the ground, bend your knees and gently move them from side to side in a windscreen wiper motion. This exercise for lower back pain works by gently rotating your lumbar spine. Rotate to each side 10 times and perform up to 3 times per day. Be sure to do this slowly, and don’t push through any pain – this should be a gentle, comfortable movement.
3. Extensions
Laying on your stomach, gently press up and extend your lower back. Do not hold this, but repeat the movement 10 times, for three sets, up to three times per day. If this stretch feels too intense, you can adjust it by resting on your forearms or simply not extending it fully.
4. Lower back rotation
Tuck one foot behind the other knee, then gently pull that knee across. Hold the stretch at a comfortable position for 20 seconds, only placing your top knee on the ground if it is comfortable to do so. Repeat 5 times each leg, and perform up to 3 times per day.
5. Cat/Cow
Start on your hands and knees, gently curve and flatten your mid back 20 times. Repeat this up to 3 times a day. This one is a great way to start your day!
6. Child’s Pose
Start with your knees apart and toes touching. Reach out in front of you and sit your bum back towards your heels. Hold this pose for 30 seconds. Repeat this 5 times for one set, and perform up to 3 sets per day. This should be a gentle stretch and can be a great option if your pain is quite severe.
7. Foam rolling
Foam rolling is a great exercise for lower back pain. Place the foam roller under your mid back, keep your backside on the ground, and gently extend your spine backward. Hold for 30 seconds at a time, and repeat throughout the day as and when needed.
8. Pelvic Tilts
Laying on your back, arch your lower back, then flatten it into the ground, keeping your mid-back on the floor and not extending the hips (this is a small movement that you should feel in your core). Perform this 30 times and repeat as many times as needed throughout the day.
9. Spiky ball roll on glutes
Use a spiky ball to roll out tight muscles in your glutes. Roll the ball around the fleshy part of your buttock for 30 – 60 seconds at a time. The glutes and lower work closely together and so pain or stiffness in one can cause issues in the other!
10. Hip flexor stretches
This will stretch out the front of your hip. Get into a low lunge position and hold the stretch for 30 seconds, repeating 5 times each leg. Perform up to 5 sets per day.
11. Piriformis stretches
This is a strong stretch for your glutes and hips and may be difficult if your pain is severe. Place one leg onto your other thigh in a figure four shape, and gently lower your buttock to the ground. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat each leg 5 times, up to 5 times per day, being sure not to push through any pain.
12. Thread the needle
In a similar position do the downward dog but on your knees, reach your arm through to give your mid-back a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each side, and up to 5 times per day.
13. Hamstring stretches
Lay on your back, with one leg bent and one leg in the air with a stretch band around your foot. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat both legs 5 times, and repeat up to 3 times per day.
How to Find the Best Back Pain Specialist Near Me
Rather than let back pain worsen your quality of life, consider reviewing your options for specialists. Here are a few tips for choosing back pain specialists. With treatment from a licensed professional, you can avoid missing work or developing a lasting disability. Read on to learn more.
1. Gather Referrals
When selecting a back pain specialist, start by consulting friends or family with relevant experience. Gather insights about their symptoms, treatments, and whether they would recommend their specialist. Prepare questions in advance regarding the doctor's qualifications, services offered, and patient satisfaction. If personal recommendations aren’t available, seek guidance from your general physician, who can refer you to a specialist suited to your specific condition and treatment needs.
2. Check Credentials
Choosing a reliable doctor requires careful consideration. Ensure the doctor is licensed, experienced, and specializes in back pain. Review their professional background, including education from an accredited institution, and verify that their license is current. Check for any complaints or malpractice suits, as these could be red flags. Seek a specialist with significant, hands-on experience for the safest and most effective treatment options.
3. Consider Their Specialization
When selecting a back pain specialist, consider your specific type of pain and its cause. Ensure the doctor has expertise in treating your form of back pain, whether it’s chronic, lower back, or nerve-related. Additionally, identify the underlying cause—such as work-related strain, injury, or an accident—to find a specialist familiar with your condition. Their targeted experience will improve your chances of effective management and relief.
4. Review Their Services
To find an effective back pain specialist, begin by researching local providers and their treatment options, such as chiropractic care, spinal decompression, spinal manipulation, physical therapy, and both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Options may include holistic approaches, corticosteroid injections, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or laser surgery. Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms in detail so the doctor can accurately diagnose the pain's cause and create a personalized treatment plan to address your needs. This comprehensive approach increases the likelihood of optimal pain relief and improved functionality.
5. Ask for References
During your consultation appointment, ask the back pain specialist if they can provide references or reviews. Try to speak with two or three of their previous patients if you can. Then, ask each patient about their experience with the doctor. You can also begin reading online reviews by checking the doctor’s Google, Yelp, or Healthgrades.com listings. Reviews can help you determine if the doctor is the right fit based on your needs. If you find many complaints against the doctor, keep searching.
6. Check Your Coverage
Before choosing a doctor, consider your insurance coverage. Determine if the office accepts your specific insurance plan. You can reach out to your insurance provider to determine what’s covered under your policy, too. This step will help you avoid receiving a massive, unexpected bill after your appointment.
Sources:
Apple
Google (online)
Office 365 (online)
Outlook
Outlook.com (online)
Yahoo! (online)