Back pain affects 80 percent of people at some point during their lifetimes. Often, the pain is so debilitating that people cannot function. In fact, back pain is responsible for more than 264 million missed workdays per year.
If you’re one of the many people suffering from back pain from a work-related injury, an auto accident, or as a chronic condition, it’s time to visit a neurologist. Find out what a neurologist can do to help your back pain.
Diagnose the Cause of the Back Pain
Some providers treat the symptoms without knowing the cause of the pain. Fortunately, neurologists are trained to diagnose the cause of back pain.
They use a variety of tests, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and myelograms. They can also perform EMG testing to determine if you have nerve damage. By finding the cause of the back pain, your neurologist can help you recover.
Pain Management
A neurologist can provide you with pain management to help you with your symptoms while you recover from your injury. Pain management can include trigger-point injections, nerve blocks, and topical ointments to relieve the pain. You also might learn cognitive-behavioral strategies to deal with the symptoms. These strategies will put you in a better state of mind as you move closer to recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often an effective treatment for back pain. Therapy can build up the muscles around the injury and improve your flexibility. At the same time, it can reduce your pain and lower the risk of suffering another injury. Your neurosurgeon will also likely recommend some exercises you do at home and might refer you to a physical therapist, as well.
Lifestyle Changes
Your neurologist can even recommend lifestyle changes to help you overcome your back pain. This could include dietary changes, exercise, and changing your sleep habits. The neurologist will consider your specific case and make recommendations based on your needs. Don’t worry about your neurologist just telling you what to do. He or she will also serve as a support system to help you succeed.
Surgeon Referral
If you don’t respond to treatment or you’re in severe pain, your neurologist can refer you to a surgeon. It’s wise to get a referral from a neurologist since he or she will have a list of contacts who specialize in your condition. That will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Follow-Up Care
If you undergo surgery, you can go back to the neurologist for follow-up care. That’s one of the best parts of seeing a neurologist. They form long-term relationships with the people they serve. Your neurologist will be there for you as you head down the road to recovery.
Get Help for Your Back Pain
If you’re suffering from back pain after a car accident or a work-related injury, it’s time to seek treatment from a neurologist. Back pain can be debilitating, and you don’t want to live like this any longer.
Make an appointment with a neurologist and get an evaluation. Then, your neurologist can create a treatment plan to help you recover.
Call (888) 590-4030 today to help us find an experienced neurologist near you.