Back pain specialists Clifton may typically identify back pain after discussing symptoms and performing a physical exam. You may also need to get an imaging scan and additional testing if:

  • Back pain looks to stem from an injury
  • There could also be an underlying cause that requires medical attention
  • The pain may linger over a long period.

Back pain doctor Clifton will also determine the condition of the soft tissues of the back by an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

  • X-rays can indicate damage to the muscles, spinal cord, nerves, or discs, the alignment of the bones, and also show arthritis or broken bones.
  • An MRI or CT scan can find herniated discs or issues with tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and bones.
  • Bone scans can find osteoporotic compression fractures or bone cancers. They inject a radioactive agent or tracer into a vein. They use a specialized camera, and the tracer accumulates in the bones and aids the doctor in identifying bone issues.
  • Electromyography helps measure nerves’ electrical impulses in reaction to muscular contractions. It can indicate nerve compression, which a herniated disc or spinal stenosis may bring on.

What are the home treatments for back pain?

You can also reduce the discomfort through back pain treatment at home by taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. It may also help to apply an ice pack or a hot compress to the hurting area. While taking a break from physically demanding activities can be beneficial, moving around will ease stiffness, lessen pain, and keep muscles from deteriorating.

What are the medical treatments for back pain?

Suppose the home remedies and self-care methods fail to reduce your back pain. In that case, specialists in back pain treatment new jersey may also recommend medical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or both.

Medications

A prescription NSAID may be necessary for back pain that does not improve with over-the-counter painkillers. They may also use narcotics like codeine or hydrocodone for brief periods, and the doctor must closely watch these. Back pain treatment NJ may also use muscle relaxants in specific circumstances.

Physical therapy

Treating the back’s muscles and soft tissues with heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and muscle-release techniques may help reduce discomfort. For chronic back pain treatment, the physical therapist could also start including some back and abdominal muscle flexibility and strength exercises as the pain lessens.