With roughly 80 percent of the United States population likely to experience back pain at some point, it’s easy to understand the need for reliable resources to address persistent or recurring discomfort. Knowing where to turn to for help is especially important if your back pain starts to affect your overall quality of life. Consider the following resources, presented by the professional Santa Monica spine surgeons at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration.
Start With Your Doctor
If you’re like most people, you probably put off scheduling a doctor’s appointment and resort to over-the-counter medications for relief. Granted, minor back pain is likely to go away on its own. When your pain keeps coming back or gets progressively worse, however, it’s time to see what your doctor has to say.
A Physical Therapist
In some cases, back pain is the result of strained muscles. If this is the case, a physical therapist can recommend safe exercises you can do either on your own between sessions or in a supervised setting. You can always schedule an initial session, which typically includes an assessment of your discomfort, to see if you experience any meaningful relief.
Back or Spine Specialists
Your primary care physician may be able to confirm that you’re suffering from some type of back pain. However, it’s usually a specialist who’s able to pinpoint the source of your pain. Consider seeking a few opinions before making up your mind about treatment as there are many options including both conservative and minimally invasive options.
Online Resources
The Internet is also a great resource to learn more about the type of pain you’re experiencing or about a condition that has been diagnosed by your doctor or specialist. Here are a few great places to start:
-
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
This website is especially handy if you’re looking for reliable information of common back-related conditions and tips for injury prevention.
-
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
If you suspect that your back pain may be related to work-related safety hazards, this site provides resources for identifying and reporting such issues.
-
American Board of Spine Surgery
Start your search for a board-certified spine surgeon in Santa Monica with the convenient listings you’ll find here.
If you’re looking to pinpoint the cause of your back pain or you are interested in getting a second opinion, reach out to The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration at 310-828-7757 and request an in-person consultation with one of our spine specialists. With experience and expertise in a wide range of treatment options from stem cell regeneration to non-fusion techniques, you can be confident that you are presented with all your options.