Suffering from back pain and unsure what your treatment options are? OrthoArkansas can help.
Back pain is common, and it can strike anyone at any age. The spine, which contains your spinal cord and vertebrae, is responsible for supporting your body and protecting your nerves. When something goes wrong with the spine or its surrounding muscles and ligaments, you may experience back pain or other symptoms such as numbness or weakness in an area of your body below the affected region.
You do not have to suffer through back pain. Research shows that many patients can manage pain and improve health with non-surgical back treatments. Understanding your options and finding a medical provider who listens, makes a correct diagnosis, and works with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan can make your road to a pain-free life much easier.
OrthoArkansas has a team of 11 specialized physicians, including both non-surgical spine physicians and spine surgeons, dedicated to helping you control pain and discomfort and find the right treatment for you, so you can live an active and pain-free life.
Spine Evaluation
The first step to effective treatment is a thorough evaluation by a non-surgical physician who specializes in conditions of the spine. This evaluation will begin with a medical history and physical examination. Your medical history will provide information to the doctor that could be relevant to your current back pain. It is important to share any previous treatments, procedures, or surgeries that you have received. The physical examination will allow you to show and discuss the area of your back pain. Your medical provider will take you through various movements to determine your range of motion and to observe the activities and motions that cause you discomfort. During this time, the doctor will ask questions about your back including onset of pain, possible injury, and things that make your pain better or worse. X-rays are taken to determine if there are any structural abnormalities or fractures. If necessary, MRI or CT scans may be performed for a more in-depth look at the spine.
After your physician has made a diagnosis, you will visit together to determine the best treatment. Many spine injuries and conditions can be treated non-surgically through physical therapy, medications, epidural injections, and other minimally invasive procedures.
Treatment Options
A common non-surgical treatment for back pain is physical therapy. Your physical therapist will evaluate your specific needs and design a customized treatment approach to best address your condition. These treatments may include stretching and strengthening exercises, pain and inflammation relieving measures, balance and posture training, and home exercises.
OrthoArkansas has a team of more than twenty physical therapists at four central Arkansas locations. If your physician recommends physical therapy, their team will get your appointment scheduled and have you on the way to recovery.
When surgery is the best option.
Surgery is typically reserved for those who have exhausted non-surgical treatment options and continue to experience chronic pain or disability that significantly impact their quality of life. In some cases, surgery may be necessary for those experiencing severe trauma or degenerative conditions. If spine surgery is necessary, OrthoArkansas’s spine surgeons use state of the art technology allowing for optimal outcomes.
OrthoArkansas always has your back.
Bottom line – you don’t have to live with back pain, stop doing what you enjoy, or be afraid of treatment options. If you are ready to take control of your back pain and get back to doing what you love, call 501-500-3500 or schedule an appointment online.
