Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in life. While most back pains resolve with traditional treatments or on their own, some need medical attention. If your back pain symptoms are not getting better, you need medical attention. Why go to the doctor to treat your back pain, not your primary care physician?
When Should I See A Doctor?
Try to take an over-the-counter pain reliever when your back pain starts to hurt, and apply ice. You can also apply heat after 24 hours. While you need to take it easy when you have back pain, “it’s best to stay active, and avoid absolute bed rest,”
If your back pain lasts more than one week and keeps you from engaging in your normal daily activities, it’s time to see a doctor. If your pain is more severe, try to consult with a back pain doctor. Seek urgent care if you have:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Back pain after trauma
- Fever related to back pain
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Loss of strength in your legs and arms
Also, always be cautious if you have risk factors for infection or cancer that may affect your spine.
What Doctor Can I See For Back Pain?
Your primary care doctor can help if your back pain is from a recent injury. But if the pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms like tingling or numbness in your arms or legs, it’s time to see a back pain doctor. Try to see a physician who specializes in treatment for back pain. This includes a chiropractor, physiatrist, physical therapist, or orthopedic physician. They can assess your pain and offer you the proper treatment to alleviate it. Depending on your situation, they might refer you to another specialist, such as a pain management specialist.
Why Should I Go To A Back Pain Doctor?
Medical doctors specialize in a condition because one physician can’t treat all types of conditions affecting the human body. When a physician specializes in a certain area, they become an expert in that area of medicine and can diagnose, and treat your back pain. One such area is orthopedics.
An orthopedic doctor is a specialist in the musculoskeletal system. Because back pain is often caused by injury or damage to the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat back pain. They can identify and correctly diagnose the exact cause of your back pain using advanced and state-of-the-art medical technology and recommend effective aftercare.
Need A Back Pain Specialist In Odessa, TX? Contact Wellspine PA
Back pain doesn’t have to be a burden on your body. If you are experiencing back pain in Odessa, TX, and need a pain specialist, Wellspine PA got you covered. We have a dedicated team of back pain experts to help you with the back pain issues that you might have.
Call us today at 214-819-9600 to schedule an appointment with our orthopedic doctor if you are ready to say goodbye to back pain.