The lowdown. Most cases of lower back pain are caused by muscle spasms or strains and resolve on their own. If your pain interferes with your day-to-day activities and you can’t get an appointment with your doctor, an urgent care center can give you quick relief and a preliminary diagnosis.
Do doctors prescribe medication for back pain?
Our doctors usually prescribe medication as the first option for treating back pain. Though it doesn’t address the cause of the pain, medication can temporarily ease discomfort so that you can start a physical therapy or exercise program, which can relieve pain in the long term.
Will the ER help with back pain?
If your back pain is unrelenting and not relieved by rest, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. If the pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Fever. Numbness.
What is a back pain specialist called?
“A physiatrist is the primary care doctor of the back,” he explains. Physiatrists are fully focused on diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal (muscle and bone) issues, so they may have more specialized knowledge than a PCP.
Can Urgent Care help with pulled back muscle? – Related Questions
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
Contact your health care provider for back pain that: Lasts longer than a few weeks. Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest. Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knee.
When should you seek help for back pain?
Seek emergency medical care
Call 911 or emergency medical help or have someone drive you to the emergency room if your back pain: Occurs after a trauma, such as a car crash, bad fall or sports injury. Causes new bowel or bladder control problems. Occurs with a fever.
What will an orthopedic doctor do for back pain?
Using various methods for pain reduction, which include injections, medication, and physical therapy, orthopedic physicians can offer long-term relief from back pain. Many orthopedic physicians are also orthopedic surgeons.
What does a physiatrist do for back pain?
Because physiatrists have comprehensive training in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular medicine — which covers muscles, bones, and nerves throughout the body — we are especially adept at diagnosing potential sources of back pain. Ultimately, treatment will depend on the suspected cause, or causes, of your back pain.
Should I see a neurologist for back pain?
Specialist help can be the key
See a doctor for bouts of lower back pain. A general practitioner can provide initial help. But a neurologist can take things to the next level. With detailed info on nerve and muscle health, the neurologist can put together a plan to slay back pain.
What is the difference between chiropractor and orthopedic?
Chiropractors diagnose and treat health problems of the musculoskeletal system and treat the effects those problems have on the nervous system. Orthopaedists focus on the prevention and correction of disorders, diseases and injuries of the joints, skeleton, muscles and other supporting structures.
Should I go to an orthopedic or chiropractor for back pain?
Depending on the severity of the root causes of your back and neck pain, surgery may be the best option for treatment. Chiropractors are not licensed for surgery so an orthopedic surgeon is the best option for your care.
Who should not see a chiropractor?
Don’t seek chiropractic adjustment if you have: Severe osteoporosis. Numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in an arm or leg. Cancer in your spine.
What is better than a chiropractor?
Chiropractors May Cause Additional Injury
Out of the two, physical therapy will always be the best choice, since a physical therapist will solve the overall problem, helping you to heal and get you back on your feet and active.
Should I go to a doctor or chiropractor for sciatica?
Don’t waste time wondering if you should see a doctor or chiropractor for sciatica. Chiropractic care is the best way to relieve your symptoms, as it treats the underlying cause of your sciatica without resorting to drugs or surgery.
Can a chiropractor relieve sciatic nerve pain?
While sciatica pain can be debilitating, chiropractic treatment can relieve it gently and naturally. This care entails treating the pain without costly and harmful side effects.
Can physical therapy realign your spine?
Physical therapists use spinal manipulation and other manual therapy techniques to get your spine back where it’s supposed to be. These techniques, combined with exercise, help get your bones moving properly and your muscles functioning correctly. This may also help relieve pain related to the spinal misalignment.
Why is my back pain not getting better?
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine. Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain. Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc. Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness.
How long is physical therapy for back pain?
But on average, patients can expect to be in physical therapy for six to eight weeks as strength and mobility progress with every session. If your back pain continues to be severe or even worse, physical therapy may take longer or may be recommended after surgical intervention.
Can you align your spine without a chiropractor?
However, while it might be tempting to try to self-correct your spinal misalignment at home, it is never recommended to do so without the help of a medical professional.
What does it feel like when your back is out of alignment?
Possible signs that your spine is out of alignment include: chronic headaches. lower back pain. neck pain.