Which Doctor Should You See for Back Pain Q&A

Back pain is a common ailment that can affect individuals from all walks of life, and it’s a frequent concern among the patients at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic. Its cause can be multifaceted, involving various physical and lifestyle factors.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we often observe that one frequent cause of back pain is a physical strain or sprain from heavy physical activity, poor posture, or awkward movements. Overexertion or repetitive movements can overstretch or tear the muscles or ligaments in the back, resulting in strain or sprain.

Moreover, disc problems are prevalent among our patients. The spinal discs can degenerate with age, leading to herniated or bulging discs. Such conditions can irritate or compress nearby nerves, resulting in pain.

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is another common cause of back pain seen in our clinic. Constant wear and tear on the spinal joints can lead to inflammation and pain.

Postural issues, including slouching or carrying heavy bags, can place excessive strain on the back’s muscles and structures, leading to pain. Our team at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic is experienced in identifying and managing pain related to skeletal irregularities such as kyphosis and scoliosis.

Conditions like sciatica, spinal cord injury, and peripheral neuropathy often lead to back pain. We specialize in diagnosing and treating these nerve-related conditions to help manage and alleviate back pain.

If you’re experiencing back pain, our team at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic is here to help.

When you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to consult with a specialist who can help diagnose and treat your specific condition. A pain management doctor is an ideal choice for this, as they specialize in various strategies to alleviate pain. These doctors use medications, physical therapy, and sometimes procedures like injections to help manage your discomfort.

Depending on the cause and severity of your back pain, you might also need to see other specialists. Orthopedists are doctors who focus on diseases and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, and muscles that might be causing back pain. If your pain involves nerve damage or issues, a neurologist, who specializes in the nervous system, might be necessary. Physical therapists are also crucial in the treatment plan; they provide exercises and therapies designed to strengthen the back, increase flexibility, and reduce pain through physical rehabilitation.

Together, these specialists can offer a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible approach to managing and potentially alleviating your back pain.

Persistent back pain requires a detailed evaluation to determine its root cause. Our team of specialists conducts a variety of diagnostic tests that provide essential insights into your back discomfort, guiding the selection of suitable treatment options.

Physical Examination:
A thorough physical examination is often the initial step in diagnosing back pain. Our healthcare providers will evaluate your physical health, posture, range of motion, spine tenderness, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation in your back and extremities, and medical history to gather comprehensive data.

Imaging Tests:
We utilize advanced imaging techniques to obtain clear images of your spine, crucial for accurate diagnosis. X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans are instrumental in identifying conditions like bone fractures, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and tumors that might be causing pain.

Nerve and Muscle Assessment:
If there is a suspicion of nerve damage, we may conduct nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). These tests assess the function of the nerves and muscles in your back, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as spinal nerve compression and sciatica.

Additional Diagnostic Procedures:
Based on your symptoms and the suspected causes of your back pain, further tests like blood tests, bone scans, facet injections, discography, or biopsies may be required. We are equipped with the facilities and expertise to perform these additional diagnostic procedures.

By undergoing these comprehensive tests, you take a crucial step towards identifying an effective treatment strategy for your back pain. The results allow our healthcare providers to craft a targeted treatment plan that addresses the underlying problem and alleviates your symptoms.

Back pain is a common malady that impacts millions worldwide. While most instances can be managed with rest and over-the-counter medications, there are certain situations that necessitate further investigation by a specialist. Our team at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic is equipped to provide this specialist care.

Persistent or Progressive Pain:
If you’re experiencing pain that persists for more than a few weeks or gradually worsens despite home treatment, there’s possibly an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Neurological Symptoms:
Back pain accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs may signal a nerve impingement or spinal cord compression.

Fever or Chills:
Experiencing unintentional weight loss or a fever alongside back pain could indicate an infection or other serious systemic condition.

Previous Trauma or Surgery:
Sudden back pain resulting from an injury or trauma, like a fall or an accident, or if it develops after a recent surgery, definitely warrants a visit to our clinic.

History of Cancer:
Individuals with a history of cancer, or other conditions like osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug and alcohol abuse, are at an increased risk for spinal metastases, which can cause back pain. It’s advisable to see our specialists if you’re experiencing back pain.

Pain that Interferes with Daily Life:
Back pain that significantly impacts your ability to work, sleep, or engage in everyday activities is a serious concern. Our specialist intervention at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic can help improve function and quality of life.

Red Flags for Specialist Evaluation at Our Clinic:

If you experience any of the following “red flags,” consult our specialists promptly:

● Sudden onset of severe pain
● Persistent pain that radiates down the legs
● Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
● Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
● Fever or chills
● Previous trauma or surgery
● History of cancer

In essence, while occasional, mild back pain may not be a cause for concern, the persistence of pain and certain symptoms should not be ignored. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.