Seeing An Orthopedist For Lower Back Pain What To Expect?

What will an orthopedic doctor do for back pain?

Options include trigger point injections to relieve painful muscles, anti-inflammatory joint injections, epidural injections for spinal nerves, or nerve blocks. In more serious cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.

DO orthopedic doctors treat low back pain?

If you suffer from an aching back, sore muscles, or painful joints, you should visit an orthopedic physician. These doctors can diagnose underlying health conditions causing your pain, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate it.

Should I go to an orthopedic doctor for back pain?

You should consult an orthopedist if you: Are suffering from chronic back pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Have difficulty performing everyday activities. Have a limited range of motion due to pain and joint disease such as arthritis.

What happens at your first orthopedic appointment?

Orthopedic Physical Examination Your doctor will be observing your general capacity to move around in certain positions such as walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, bending forward and backward, etc. These tests are used to exclude or confirm likely diagnoses.

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

When you should go to the ER for back pain

1. Sudden spike in pain, discomfort, weakness or numbness.
2. Loss of bladder function.
3. High fever.
4. Severe stomach pain.
5. Unexplainable weight loss.
6. The pain results from a fall or severe blow to your back.

When should I see an orthopedic?

When should you see an orthopedic doctor?

• You have pain, stiffness, or discomfort that are making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
• You are experiencing chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks)
• You’re noticing decreases in your range of motion.
• You feel unstable while walking or standing.

What kind of doctor do you see for back problems?

If your back pain is from a strain, sprain, or other mild injury, but it isn’t going away, call your primary care doctor. If the pain is severe, ongoing, or you have numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, you can call a healthcare professional like a chiropractor, physiatrist or orthopedist.

What type of doctor is best for back pain?

Primary care physicians can:

• Recommend a spine specialist such as a surgeon, physiatrist, or pain medicine specialist.
• In rare or more severe cases, refer you to the nearest emergency room.
• Prescribe medication.

Who is the best doctor for back pain?

An orthopedic doctor is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in problems—from head to toe—of the musculoskeletal system. This includes, of course, the spine. An orthopedist might address conditions such as ruptured discs, scoliosis or other types of neck or low back pain.

How do you know if back pain is muscle or disc?

Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain. A CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc.

Why won’t my lower back pain go away?

If you have lingering low back pain or sciatica that just won’t go away, you’re likely missing an important component. You’ve probably been to an orthopedic physical therapist and done a few exercises for your low back. Or a chiropracter, who cracked and aligned the back.

How should I sleep with lower back pain?

1. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Share on Pinterest.
2. Sleep on your side in the fetal position. Share on Pinterest.
3. Sleep on your stomach with a pillow under your abdomen. Share on Pinterest.
4. Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
5. Sleep on your back in a reclined position.

How do I prepare for an orthopedic appointment?

Preparing for Your Orthopedic Appointment

1. Arrive Prepared. Like with any other initial appointment with a medical professional, you will need to bring a photo ID, your medical insurance card and referral if you were referred by another physician.
2. Bring Medical Documentation.
3. Bring a List of your Meds.
4. Bring a Buddy.
5. Physical Therapy Reports.

Why have I been referred to an Orthopaedic?

Broken bones, compression fractures, stress fractures, dislocations, muscle injury, and tendon tears or ruptures are common reasons people visit orthopedic doctors. Athletes will often work with orthopedists to help prevent future injury and optimize performance.

What to expect when you go to an orthopedic?

The doctor will observe your general ability to move around while walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, bending forward and backward, and performing other basic movements. These tests help the orthopaedic surgeon rule out or confirm possible diagnoses.