Occasional back pain with obvious causes like overdoing it in the gym is normal – and usually goes away with rest or an over-the-counter pain reliever. When pain and discomfort becomes a part of your daily life, however, it may be time to see a board-certified spine specialist in Santa Monica. Here are five reasons to consider scheduling an appointment:
Medications for back pain may work well during the early stages of conditions like spinal stenosis. Unfortunately, as the nerve roots become more compressed, medications aren’t likely to be all that effective. A spinal specialist can perform tests to determine the extent of the damage to determine a more appropriate treatment.
If you find yourself missing more days of work or skipping out on activities you once enjoyed, it may be time to see a spine specialist. With a better understanding of spine conditions, a specialist tends to have access to more resources to help you get back to a point where any discomfort is manageable.
Spine specialists often work with a team that includes neurosurgeons, radiologists and orthopedic surgeons in Santa Monica who may be able to put together a more comprehensive treatment plan that is based on your individual needs.
With a better understanding of newer treatment options, a spine specialist can usually direct you towards some non-surgical treatment options your primary care physician may not be comfortable recommending. If treatments prove ineffective, they’ll also have a better idea of which surgical options could meet your needs.
It’s important for you to understand as much as possible about your back or neck pain so that you can make informed and educated decisions about your treatment options. Spine specialists are a great resource for explaining what’s causing the pain and answering your questions.
If you are seeking a second opinion about your spine pain or are interested in learning your treatment options, reach out to The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration and schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Bae. As the center’s Medical Director and a conservative spine surgeon, he can provide you with all of your options, ranging form physical therapy to spine decompression surgery. Call us at 310-828-7757 and get started on a path toward better health.