AOS Spine
Introduction
Spine Facts
Spine problems acount for the second most frequent visit to doctors
The treatment of spine conditions breaks down to three basic steps. The most conservative step begins with anti-inflamatories and possibly muscle relaxants or pain medications followed by an active recovery program, guided by an experienced spine physical therapist. If anti-inflamatories and therapy are too painful, then the second step includes pain management with injections that are more powerful to calm the pain, to allow physical therapy to work. The final step includes surgical intervention when all conservative opportunities fail or there is a progressive loss of neurologic function.
The first step of conservative treatment is to understand the severity of the problem. Small problems are easy, but when the pain is overwhelming a medical professional can help to diagnose and treat the problem. For the simple problems, rest after an injury, ice is safe and effective and anti-inflamatories such as Tylenol, Aspirin or Motrin can help. Avoid the activity initially after injury. The common sense axiom,” If it hurts, don’t do it.” applies to most conditions. Gentle stretches for the legs and torso will loosen the muscles. Careful return to activities is recommended when the pain subsides after a few days.
When the pain is more severe, a professional should be involved. The benefit of a professional is to facilitate recovery and to decrease the time to recovery. Stronger medications need a prescription. Higher doses need to be monitored and carry risks of stomach upset or bleeding, and other side effects. Muscle relaxants or pain medications can be used. I cannot emphasize enough that a spine physical therapist, with knowledge of core rehabilitation is the most critical tool for recovery. Chiropractors can be of benefit in these acute stages of back pain.
When conservative measures fail to improve within a few weeks or months, a more intensive evaluation should be done. X-rays and possibly an MRI can give detailed information of the mechanics of the spine. This information with a complete history and physical exam can lead to a specific diagnosis and individual treatments.
The first step of conservative treatment is to understand the severity of the problem. Small problems are easy, but when the pain is overwhelming a medical professional can help to diagnose and treat the problem. For the simple problems, rest after an injury, ice is safe and effective and anti-inflamatories such as Tylenol, Aspirin or Motrin can help. Avoid the activity initially after injury. The common sense axiom,” If it hurts, don’t do it.” applies to most conditions. Gentle stretches for the legs and torso will loosen the muscles. Careful return to activities is recommended when the pain subsides after a few days.
When the pain is more severe, a professional should be involved. The benefit of a professional is to facilitate recovery and to decrease the time to recovery. Stronger medications need a prescription. Higher doses need to be monitored and carry risks of stomach upset or bleeding, and other side effects. Muscle relaxants or pain medications can be used. I cannot emphasize enough that a spine physical therapist, with knowledge of core rehabilitation is the most critical tool for recovery. Chiropractors can be of benefit in these acute stages of back pain.
When conservative measures fail to improve within a few weeks or months, a more intensive evaluation should be done. X-rays and possibly an MRI can give detailed information of the mechanics of the spine. This information with a complete history and physical exam can lead to a specific diagnosis and individual treatments.
Problems of the spine account for the most economic loss to our workforce.
MEDICAL CENTER
Spine Surgery
