Untreated long-term back pain has become the norm for countless people who have not had the opportunity, or taken the necessary steps to be treated by a specialist Pain Consultant. Furthermore, it is all too common for patients to be put off going to visit their GP due to their lack of specialised training, and the long delays and difficulty booking an appointment. Moreover, many sufferers believe that their pain will simply dissipate, when in some cases, it actually gets worse, and leads to degeneration. So what is the answer?
The Smart Way to Get Rid of Chronic Back Pain
The best course of action is to arrange a consultation and expert diagnosis with an experienced Pain Doctor (who is also referred to as a Pain Specialist or Pain Consultant). They have undergone substantial training in a broad spectrum of pain conditions and pain medications, as well as conventional and cutting-edge holistic treatments. The different types of treatment which your Pain Doctor is likely to include in your Personal Treatment Plan, include:
- Medication such as: pain relievers, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals), and muscle relaxants
- Topical pain relievers including: trans-dermal patches, ointments, slaves and creams
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline and duloxetine (Cymbalta), both of which have been proved to ameliorate long-term back pain
- Opioid-containing pharmaceuticals such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. (Note: these are however, only prescribed for a very limited period, under strict medical supervision) [1].
Surgical & Other Procedures With a Good Success Rate
Cortisone injections which the Pain Specialist carefully administers (along with a numbing medication), into the space around the roots of the nerve and the spinal cord
- Trigger Point injections: Trigger points are painful muscle ‘knots’ which can be extremely sensitive to pressure and touch
- Radiofrequency which involves the Pain Doctor inserting a fine needle close to the area radiating the pain. Radio waves are channelled (via the needle) in order to attack the nearby nerves. Then, once the nerves are damaged, the pain signals to the brain are negated
- Nerve Stimulating Devices which are implanted under the patient’s skin for the purpose of sending electrical impulses to specific nerves in order to block the pain signals
- Physical Therapy: Pain Doctors frequently work in conjunction with physiotherapists. The latter: “can teach the patients exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen back and abdominal muscles, and improve posture. Regular use of these techniques can help keep pain from returning. Physical therapists also will provide education about how to modify movements during an episode of back pain to avoid flaring pain symptoms while continuing to be active” [1].
Reference
[1]. Mayo Clinic (2023). “Back Pain.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911
