Your spine consists of bones and joints that can become injured or worn out, leading to pain and an inability to complete everyday tasks. If you experience discomfort in your neck or back, consult a spine specialist. Early diagnosis helps you address issues before they cause serious damage that can affect the quality of your life. Here are a few things your spine doctor can help you with:
Diagnose Your Symptoms
Back pain and shooting sensations from your neck to your shoulders, back, and legs may be linked to spinal issues. If you have these symptoms, visit a spine doctor. Various spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculopathy, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, cause these signs. To determine the underlying condition, they will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. This involves physical observation and imaging tests.
Pay attention to pain or stiffness that persists, recurs, or doesn’t improve with rest. Tingling sensations also require immediate medical care because they stem from nerve issues. Doctors can review your medical history and symptoms to understand the underlying problem. Seek early and accurate diagnosis to learn more about the condition, its implications, and treatment options.
Develop Conservative Interventions
Addressing spinal conditions begins with non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, injections, and lifestyle modification. Physical therapy involves specific exercises and stretches designed to improve your strength and flexibility. You may also get anti-inflammatory medications, pain management prescriptions, and steroid injections to reduce discomfort. Steroid injections target:
- Caudal, cervical, or lumbar epidural space
- Facet joints
- Medial branch
- Sacroiliac joint
- Trigger points
- Lumbar transforaminal epidural space
Doctors can also recommend orthopedic devices, such as braces, to provide support to the spine. Lifestyle recommendations include adopting specific diets to help reduce weight or address issues like poor posture and prolonged desk work. Some doctors use stem cell therapy to help relieve pain by promoting healing. Conservative methods help reduce discomfort without requiring invasive surgical operations.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Spinal conditions may persist for extended periods, resulting in recurring pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Your doctor manages these ongoing concerns using targeted treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP uses concentrated platelets drawn from your own blood. The plasma is injected into the affected area to encourage natural healing in ligaments, tendons, and joints. This treatment is beneficial when your discomfort is caused by wear and tear or slow tissue repair.
Chronic conditions, like degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis, require ongoing management. Your doctor can schedule periodic evaluations to monitor changes and adjust treatment as needed. Professional management helps maintain comfort and mobility while reducing the need for surgery. While surgery may be recommended for severe or progressive cases, ongoing conservative care reduces such needs. This approach focuses on symptom control and slowing down progression.
Speak to a Spine Doctor Today
Spinal conditions may stem from traumatic blows, in which case you need immediate care. Other times, the discomfort comes and goes, and may be a result of old age or overuse that causes wear and tear. Consulting a doctor provides insight into the underlying issue and the necessary steps to treat or manage it. Contact a spine specialist today to learn more about their services.
