subject: Get Treated By An Orthopedic Surgeon If Physical Therapy Is Not Working [print this page] It is the job of any orthopedic surgeon to improve the quality of their patients' lives by operating to improve the structural integrity of the skeletal system in the body. Since they are experienced at caring for your bones and joints, they can assess patients who are in need of care and determine what the appropriate level of treatment is necessary. Even the most acute and excruciating types of back pain and skeletal ailments can be diagnosed in a medical office, and, in some cases, treatment can be provided as well. Your orthopedic surgeon can use surgical and nonsurgical methods separately or combined to alleviate your medical conditions and even possibly cure the problem.
Any injuries that result in the gradual or immediate degradation of your spine or muscular system will need to be examined and assessed with x-rays to discover the source of the condition. Your medical history will be taken into consideration when determining what treatment will work best for your situation. Depending on what your results are, pain management medications may be prescribed to help you cope with the discomfort, in addition coming up with an appropriate care plan. Keep in mind that although surgery is often effective, it is often only prescribed as a last resort.
Your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe that you undergo physical therapy prior to performing any surgery. This is to increase the function of the offending body part and to see if the use of corrective devices would offer you the same results without surgery. Braces, walkers, and other prosthetic devices can promote healing without having to deal with the risks associated with surgery. Keep in mind that pain medication such as relaxants, steroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs can increase your comfort level while you are undergoing treatment.
A good orthopedic surgeon can help to improve your quality of life and help you to live in a capacity that gives you little discomfort if you have a condition that is not curable. You need to make sure that you are in the care of an experienced professional who is genuinely concerned about your condition. Follow all of your orthopedic surgeon's orders, and you will find that your condition can be made more manageable.
If you have been told that the best way to alleviate your condition is to have surgery, then the best thing you can do is to prepare for your procedure to optimize your results. Keep in mind that depending on what kind of surgery you are having, you could end up with a lengthy recovery period. Learn about what is involved for your particular procedure. The more you know, the better you will be able to make the necessary arrangements for your care after your operation.
Avoid strenuous activity at least 48 hours before your procedure. Eliminate smoking and alcohol a few days before your procedure as well. You want to enhance your body's natural ability to heal. The best way to do this is to make sure that you aren't doing anything unhealthy that can impede that process.
