When back pain won’t go away, your doctor will consider all the treatments that could help you, from exercise and physical therapy to medication. Part of that may include injections to ease your back pain and inflammation. These shots usually consist of a steroid and a numbing medicine. Keep in mind that while these shots help some people, not everyone gets the same relief.
You may get different answers to this question, depending on who you ask. It is true that herniated disc symptoms can subside over time even without medical intervention. But does that mean the herniated disc has healed on its own? As with so many things, the answer is incomplete. Yes, your symptoms may resolve, but this does not necessarily mean the herniated disc itself has healed.
Spinal anatomy is a remarkably intricate structure of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, extensive muscles, and highly sensitive nerves and nerve roots. We often don't think about their form and function, though, until they become a source of pain. Without question, the composition and function of the spine is a marvel of nature, providing us with a unique combination of:
1. Protection for the spinal cord and nerve roots to safely relay messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body. 2 Shock absorption, accepting jolts and stress as we move about 3 Flexibility, especially in the lower back and neck, allowing us to bend and twist in a full variety of movements 4. The strength provided by the bones, discs, joints, and supporting muscles and connective tissue that allows us to stand upright and move about with precision
When back pain is caused by a spinal disc problem, the source of the pain is either from a nerve being irritated by a protruding disc, or it is from the disc space itself. Differentiating between the two can cause confusion among patients, as doctors may use a variety of terms to describe the problem—such as a slipped disc, pinched nerve, and degenerated disc. To help clarify disc problems, on this site we focus on identifying the source of the pain as coming from either a pinched nerve or a degenerated disc.
When a friend with bad back pain asks me where to get help, I respond that personally, I would start with getting a diagnosis from a physiatrist who specializes in back pain. Here is why:
I like the general orientation of physiatry, which is to provide enough pain management to enable patients to make progress with physical therapy and rehabilitation—which is often the best long-term solution. Practitioners in other specialties may also have this focus, but my impression is that physiatrists are most likely to have this focus.
For most people suffering from back pain, surgery is scheduled only after all other options have been exhausted. One non-surgical approach to pain relief is epidural steroid injections. They are only intended for temporary pain relief, but steroid injections coupled with therapeutic exercise may allow patients to postpone or even avoid surgery altogether. Epidural steroid injections are most often used to treat low back and leg pain associated with sciatica, which is pain caused by a pinched nerve in the low back that radiates down the leg.
Did you know a desk job could be hazardous to your health? Sitting too much emerged as a serious health issue in the U.S. last year. Instead of sitting all day, consider alternating standing and sitting at work. Many new adjustable desks make this easier than ever. While you are seated, make sure you are doing all you can to ensure the health of your spine.
First aid for episodes of back and neck pain can work surprisingly well. Here are some of the most effective first aid treatments you can try at home. Pain medication - Two main types of medications can be very helpful for relieving many types of back pain: acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Possible causes - Some factors increase your risk for developing facet arthritis and the aches and pains associated with it. They include Osteoarthritis: Having a joint problem in your hand or foot doesn’t mean you’ll develop arthritis in your spine. However, joints that are not aligned due to inflammatory arthritis, injury, or subsequent arthritis can lead to greater wear and tear or damage to other joints. That’s why having osteoarthritis somewhere in your body can ultimately lead to arthritis in the joints of your spine.
Treatment - OA doesn’t have a cure. Instead, the goal of treatment is to manage pain and then reduce contributing causes that make symptoms of OA worse. The first step in treating OA is to decrease pain. This is often done with a combination of medications, exercise, and physical therapy. Treatment for OA is often tailored to a person’s lifestyle and what triggers pain and soreness.
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