Back pain is such a common problem among American adults that it has almost been normalized as a natural part of getting older. The problem with this mindset is that it prevents people from getting the care they need. A great many people who live with back pain every day still say they hope it will go away on its own. They just need to rest more. They need to curb their activities. In the vast majority of cases, back pain that persists for more than a few weeks does not get better on its own. It usually gets worse over time. When it does, people then wonder if they waited too long to take care of the problem. It isn’t. We’ll discuss here why treatment for back pain should be sought anytime life is impacted.
Why Start the Journey Now
The spine is involved in every physical movement we make. So, when a problem such as a herniated disc arises, there is a good chance that pain will be a daily occurrence. Here’s where a lot of people go wrong. They try to ignore the aches and stiffness or push through their discomfort. Don’t be like a lot of people. See a doctor sooner rather than later. One of the problems with pushing through back (or neck) pain is that it is often the things we do daily that lead to pain in the first place. Continuing to do those things, we inadvertently make the problem worse. At the point when pain makes it difficult to get in and out of bed or perform normal activities, it may feel like it’s too late to get help. This is the time to see a spinal specialist.
The journey to improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life begins in the spine specialist’s office. The treatment process may not fully resolve pain but in most cases patients feel significantly better than they did before they received care. To determine what level of care is needed, the doctor performs a thorough examination and assessment of symptoms. Imaging is also usually involved to observe the spinal structure in the affected area.
Back Pain Treatment Options
One of the reasons people put off seeing a spinal specialist is that they fear surgery. In truth, surgery is the last option a specialist considers. Usually, a combination of conservative therapies is recommended first. Provided that the physical examination and imaging do not indicate a severe structural problem, the doctor may recommend physical therapy, activity modifications, medication, and other treatment options.
It’s never too late to seek treatment for back or neck pain. To schedule a consultation at our NYC office, contact us at 212-606-1004.
