When you're dealing with chronic back pain or episodes of acute back pain, you can benefit from a multifaceted treatment program at a pain management center, wellness clinic or another facility with different types of health practitioners. Physical therapy is a standard strategy for resolving back pain, and you may find chiropractic care and massage to be helpful. Your medical or osteopathic doctor, as your primary care physician, is also an integral part of the team.

DIAGNOSTICS

A doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist can provide a professional evaluation of your condition and recommend a course of treatment. Doctors and chiropractors can order X-rays or a CT scan if they need these diagnostic tools, but physical therapists cannot.

You may not need imaging unless the doctor is concerned you have a fracture, or unless no treatment proves to be effective and you eventually decide to have back surgery. Then a doctor or chiropractor, like those found at Beltline Chiropractic, may order an MRI for the orthopedic surgeon to view.

PHYSICAL TREATMENT

Your physical therapist designs a customized plan for you that centers around specific exercises to strengthen your back, speed healing and make your musculoskeletal system more flexible. You'll do exercises at home and also during your physical therapy sessions. The therapist monitors your progress and modifies your treatment plan accordingly.

A physical therapist may provide deep-heat ultrasound therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), both of which increase circulation to painful areas. Increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients there, which helps you heal more rapidly. 

A massage therapist can be highly beneficial for boosting circulation to the affected areas. In addition, massage loosens up stiff muscles and provides an overall relaxation effect. Releasing tension and stress helps ease back pain. 

If you want chiropractic care, you'll receive spinal adjustments to return your vertebrae to proper alignment and to rebalance your musculoskeletal system. Like physical therapists, chiropractors also may use ultrasound and TENS equipment.

Your medical or osteopathic doctor will be the team member providing a prescription for pain medication or muscle relaxants if that is necessary. 

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

A pain management center may have psychologists or counseling social workers on staff to help with the emotional aspects. People dealing with chronic back pain can become depressed as they deal with the discomfort and the inability to easily do activities they used to enjoy. 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

This combination approach to managing and resolving back pain can be very effective. You'll participate in the creation of a program that most resonates with you. With the assistance of multiple types of practitioners, the approach to healing will be a well-rounded one that addresses all aspects of pain management and resolution.