subject: Locating The Right Spine Surgeon In Houston Tx [print this page] Do you have difficulty on and off with lower back pain? If so, you aren't alone. In fact, according to Ronald J. Wisneski, MD: "Eighty percent of the human population of the United States, at some time in their life, is going to have back pain." Sometimes the origin of this occasional back pain is easy to identify, but most of the time, pain is centered in the low back, is non-specific, and no cause can even be identified.
The good news is, non-specific, occasional back pain is easy to treat with OTC (over the counter) medicine and changes in lifestyle. However other times, this exact same kind of pain goes from being occasional and simple to treat, to being chronic and also unresponsive to treatment. Dr. Wisneski suggests this happens 2% to 10% of the time, and seriously affects everyday life for at least three months.
If you have been struggling with lower back pain and decide to seek treatment, to find the proper treatment your physician must determine whether your back pain is actually occasional or chronic. He or she is going to do this through an in depth health history, finding out how frequent your back pain is, on how severe it is, and on any back injuries or strains you have had - both recently and in your past. He or she will also question any back problems or diseases in your family members history.
Depending on your responses and health background, your doctor might think a specific cause of your back pain, and select to do tests to verify a diagnosis. For instance, based on your explanation of your back pain and your history, your medical doctor might suspect a herniated disc. In this instance he or she may choose to do an MRI or X-Ray to spot underlying issues or exclude other problems first.
In the earlier example, a herniated disc can be the cause of the chronic back pain; long-term back pain may also be brought on by many other medical issues. But just as often chronic back pain does not have a clear cause, with no clear treatment option either. In such cases your doctor will suggest general treatment options; you will want to try each one to see what works and also what doesn't.
For instance, your doctor might suggest trying these common remedies for non-specific back pain: Should you smoke, she or he might suggest ending, because those who smoke are more prone to have chronic, non-specific back pain. Make it a habit to apply good posture, and to constantly lift with your back as well as knees.Do exercises that support the muscles which support your back. Stay lively when your back hurts, as opposed to getting into bed.
Regardless of whether your back pain has a certain cause or not, and whether it is chronic or occasional, you need to look after your back health. You can do this by doing the 4 things we talked about earlier, as well as by living a healthful lifestyle in general. Doctors agree that you are less likely to have back pain if the spine and back muscles are healthy, strong, in addition to being used.
It's also important to take note of any changes in your back pain, and see your doctor if they change or become worse. Just like other medical issues, serious back problems are most successfully handled when they're discovered early.
