Here are the 5 things you should know about back pain

Back pains can be as minor as slight discomfort or as terrible as sharp, shooting spams that can immobilize you. If you’re experiencing persistent aches in any part of your back, it’s time to consult a doctor.

The first thing your physician will do is ask questions about how you feel, the symptoms you are experiencing, and your medical history. If you’re unsure about what’s causing your pain, it’s best to hear it straight from an expert. Here are five things your doctor should be able to tell you about your back problem:

1. What causes your back pain

Several factors cause back pain, and they depend on which parts of your back are aching. Common reasons include muscle or ligament tearing, irritation of small joints, and inflammation right by your lumbar discs.

These may happen if you put too much pressure on your back, such as by lifting heavy weights or playing an extreme sport. The good news is that this pain can usually improve without the need for targeted treatment.

It isn’t as common, but severe health problems can cause back pain. Nerve damage, fractures, and specific types of cancer can be the underlying causes. An x-ray, CT scan, or MRI diagnosis can accurately determine the cause of the discomfort.

2. Your Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of your pain and its cause, doctors may recommend relief through physical therapy. For more severe problems, some patients may need to undergo surgery. If a general physician thinks you need further evaluation, he will refer you to a spine surgeon.

3. What to expect after your procedure

Most procedures, especially invasive surgeries, require some recovery time. Usually, it takes a patient a few weeks to fully recover. Depending on your case, your doctor will be able to tell you how long it will take for you to start feeling like yourself again.

Notice how your body responds to the treatment. There are rare cases when a patient gets an allergic reaction or infection after surgery. When this happens, call your doctor’s office immediately.

4. What you can do at home to lessen the pain

Aside from treatments, you can try home remedies to manage your pain and improve your condition over time. Your doctor may recommend a cold or hot compress on the aching part. He or she can also show you simple stretching exercises you can do at home in between your physical therapy sessions.

During your consultation, tell your physician about any supplements you’re taking. It’s also a good idea to ask about alternative options such as acupuncture or chiropractic treatments.

5. Other medications to help your condition

If your back pain does not call for surgery or targeted therapy, your doctor may give you medicines to manage your symptoms. These can be in the form of pain relievers or muscle relaxants.

To make sure that the drugs work effectively, follow the dosages your doctor prescribed. You may also want to ask about potential side effects so you can make the necessary adjustments to your daily routine.

Treating back pains starts with excellent communication between you and your health care provider. Choose doctors who will carefully and patiently explain each process for you. Likewise, do not hesitate to ask them specific details about your treatment plan and desired outcome.

As always, follow our Charlotte chiropractic clinic blog for the latest health tips. Our licensed massage therapists are available as a treatment option along with regular chiropractic care.