Specialists In Back Pain - Physiatrists


by Don Moor - Date: 2006-12-23 - Word Count: 387 Share This!

Back pain is very common, with some estimates as high as 80% of Americans suffering with back pain at some time in their lives. Back pain causes many thousands of hours of missed work and is the source of more medical claims than any other single medical issue. When looking for treatment for your back pain, you should consider a variety of means as well as sources. Why not consider seeing a physiatrist?

The first line of defense against back pain is rest and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers and analgesics. These strategies may be combined with the use of cold packs, heating pads, or back supports of various kinds. If the pain is not alleviated within six weeks, sufferers may want to see a physiatrist. The dictionary defines a physiatrist as:

1. a health care specialist who administers physical therapy or physical therapist, and

2. a physician who specializes in the science of physical and rehabilitative medicine.

These specialists focus on treating back pain in all its forms, acute or chronic, irregular or constant, from whatever cause. They also specialize in treating neck problems, nerve pain, tendonitis and back and spine injuries including serious injuries that have caused someone to be paralyzed. They also treat stroke victims as well as other neurological illness like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Because of the special training a physiatrist as undergone, they frequently work with sports injuries as well.

A physiatrist knows how to work with neurological illness to increase flexibility and to strengthen muscles that can help avoid future problems with back and neck pain in the future. One of the main advantages of choosing to work with a physiatrist is that they use non-surgical methods of treatment to bring about relief to whatever degree possible. Studies on back pain treatment show that surgical vs. non-surgical options show approximately the same degree of change over time.

A complete health and family history, and a physical examination will be completed when you first see a physiatrist. They will then design a physiotherapy program to address the problems which have been identified. This program may include regular exercises, supervised physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication as needed.

Be an informed consumer of health care options. Consider the use of a physiatrist and the alternative therapies they offer. The treatment they provide could help you avoid more invasive treatments later on..


Related Tags: treatment, back pain, low back pain, herniated disc, exercises, sciatica, physiatrists

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