“What does a physiatrist do for back pain?”
I am a 36 year old male. I want to know what does a physiatrist do for back pain?
4 Answers
Hi,
A physiatrist and a pain management doctor would be the best to see for back pain. Treatment options include: trigger point injections (small injections done quickly in the office), referrals for physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, epidural injections, and medication that can help to make you feel better as well as decrease inflammation.
A physiatrist and a pain management doctor would be the best to see for back pain. Treatment options include: trigger point injections (small injections done quickly in the office), referrals for physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, epidural injections, and medication that can help to make you feel better as well as decrease inflammation.
Dr. Ivan Edwards
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
San Antonio, TX, TX
Physiatrists are specially trained in the complex area of musculoskeletal issues; they have expertise related to issues and matters of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, rehabilitation and pain. Like any other specially, however, not all physiatrists treat back pain--since the specialty Of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is broad. Some physiatrists treat brain issues (like TBI non-surgically); some treat spine issues (like spinal cord injuries non-surgically), while others can treat neurological issues from carpal tunnel, neuropathy, spasticity to MS and Parkinson's disease.
Overall, all physiatrists are trained to improve and/or restore function in a patient with painful syndromes, injury, illness, and disability.
A physiatrist who treats back pain is highly trained in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition, including what physical or occupational therapy is required to provide the best outcome. So, seeing a physiatrist will ensure that you are getting treatment form a well trained specialist, who is also providing the best oversight to your rehab course.
Seeing a physiatrist ensures that you will get holistic care in the treatment of your back pain. If holistic care is what you seek, then go see a physiatrist!
A physiatrist who treats low back pain would have the expertise to do the following for you, if needed:
a) NCS/EMG studies to assess what nerves have been affected in your disease process.
b) Peripheral joint injections (in treatment) for any joints or parts co-existing or contributing to your overall back pain. .
c) Trigger point injections for chronic myofascial (soft-tissue) pain associated with your back pain.
d) Execution of modalities, such as heat, cold, manual manipulation (in the case of an osteopathic trained physiatrist), relative to treatment of your back pain.
e) Execution of ultrasound guided injections, interventional spinal injections and other procedures, such as prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma injections, and autologous stem cell treatments (for those trained in these areas), relative to diagnosis and treatment of your back pain.
f) Management of pain and associated conditions using various medications and narcotics - physiatrists that treat pain syndromes, of note, have expertise in pain medications and spasticity medications.
Overall, all physiatrists are trained to improve and/or restore function in a patient with painful syndromes, injury, illness, and disability.
A physiatrist who treats back pain is highly trained in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition, including what physical or occupational therapy is required to provide the best outcome. So, seeing a physiatrist will ensure that you are getting treatment form a well trained specialist, who is also providing the best oversight to your rehab course.
Seeing a physiatrist ensures that you will get holistic care in the treatment of your back pain. If holistic care is what you seek, then go see a physiatrist!
A physiatrist who treats low back pain would have the expertise to do the following for you, if needed:
a) NCS/EMG studies to assess what nerves have been affected in your disease process.
b) Peripheral joint injections (in treatment) for any joints or parts co-existing or contributing to your overall back pain. .
c) Trigger point injections for chronic myofascial (soft-tissue) pain associated with your back pain.
d) Execution of modalities, such as heat, cold, manual manipulation (in the case of an osteopathic trained physiatrist), relative to treatment of your back pain.
e) Execution of ultrasound guided injections, interventional spinal injections and other procedures, such as prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma injections, and autologous stem cell treatments (for those trained in these areas), relative to diagnosis and treatment of your back pain.
f) Management of pain and associated conditions using various medications and narcotics - physiatrists that treat pain syndromes, of note, have expertise in pain medications and spasticity medications.
It depends on the physiatrist of course also known as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Predominately they direct physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Evaluate any muscle imbalances you may have which contribute to your pain. For example. Weak glutes and right hip flexors. May also suggest injections
