Almost 80% of adults have experienced back pain at some point in their lives.
Back pain can be debilitating if it continues more than a few days. When heating pads and pain killers don’t work, it might be time to visit a professional.
When should you see a spine specialist, and what are the benefits of visiting one? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Find Out Your Problem
Back pain may seem manageable at first. Yet there are a number of factors that could be contributing to your problem.
Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the leg. This can lead to pain radiating from one or both legs to the lower back. It can result from pinched nerves, slipped discs, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and arthritis.
Your primary care physician can refer you to a spinal specialist who can properly diagnose your injury and help you find the right treatment.
2. Find out Your Treatment Options
Home remedies such as ointments and anti-inflammatory medications may work for temporary pain. You can, however, get recommendations for the treatment of ongoing pain from a specialist.
You may, for example, require physical therapy, which can help strengthen stabilizing muscles and divert pressure away from sensitive areas. Most back injury patients do not require surgery, but they will need specialized care from a chiropractor.
Some patients, however, may require surgery. In these severe cases, you will need X-Rays and MRIs to diagnose the problem and determine the best kind of surgery for you.
3. Find out About Payment Options
Back injuries can be costly, notably if you are missing out on time at work.
The right diagnosis can help you find out about payment options you are entitled to. You may, for example, be assigned to a worker’s comp doctor, who treats injured workers to return them to their pre-injury condition and get them back to work.
Workers comp doctors will review all medical notes related to your claim and examine and discuss your injury.
Insurance or HSA plans may cover some of the costs of rehabilitating your injury. You may also be entitled to Social Security or disability benefits. A knowledgeable specialist will have staff that can help lead you in the right direction. Workers’ compensation will cover most medical bills as long as you have an open claim, and your doctor ins authorized to treat injured workers.
4. Make a Long-Term Connection
Many patients with back pain may find that it alleviates and comes back again later on. If you find a spinal specialist you are happy with, you will have a sound resource who can discuss or diagnose any future problems with you.
5. Peace of Mind
Spinal injuries can cause anxiety or uncertainty, especially if you are physically active or work in a profession that requires bending or lifting.
The right professional can give you a medical diagnosis that can put your mind to rest about what is actually wrong, and how you can keep yourself healthy in the future.
The Spinal Specialist Advantage
The right spinal specialist can diagnose your problem and give you a treatment plan that will get you back in shape in no time.
Call if you need to find an experienced spine specialist near you.
Call (888) 590-4030 to schedule your virtual consultation or fill out the form below.