Back Pain Doctor Altoona, PA

Our back pain doctor Altoona, PA residents turn to for treatment, provide patients with the optimal care needed when living with chronic and exhausting pain. There are several back injuries patients may be experiencing. Additionally, there may be a variety of causes for the pain, some of which you may be unaware of. In some cases, these lifestyle choices may exacerbate the pain. We can provide you with both treatment and tips that will give you some relief from your symptoms. Seek the care of Pain & Spine Specialists today; we are dedicated to providing our patients with treatments they can count on.

Back Pain Injections in Altoona, PA

When back pain will not go away, it may be time to see a back pain doctor Altoona, PA has to offer. A specialist of back pain will consider all applicable treatments, from exercise and dietary changes to physical therapy and medication. Part of the treatment might also include injections to ease your inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Most of these shots contain steroids, as well as a numbing medication.

While many people will find back injections helpful, some will need to resolve to another method of treatment. That said, it is worthwhile to talk with a PA back pain doctor to explore all available options.

What Injections Treat

Back pain injections typically treat two major back pain problems: inflammation or nerve damage. Usually, the injections are given to the low back or neck. The medical term for this is ‘radiculopathy’. For many people with? back pain, the problem exists where the nerve exits the spine. With radiculopathy, the pain shoots from the low back into one or both legs, or from the neck into one or both arms. It is possible for a herniated disc to cause radiculopathy.

Spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spine, can happen when a herniated disc is putting pressure onto the spine, or when the bone spur is entering that space. In rare cases it can be the result of a tumor pressing on the spine. With spinal stenosis, the nerves in the area become compressed. Pain typically will result in the leg or buttocks region. Some people will also have low back pain. Usually, the spinal stenosis pain becomes worse during activity and eases up when leaning forward.

A back pain doctor might also recommend injections for people with other kinds of back pain. Types of injections provided may include:

• Epidural – This is an injection given around the spinal cord. They include steroids, and usually an anesthetic. Their effects will vary depending on the patient.
• Nerve Block – A numbing medicine or anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is injected in the affected area. It can result in almost complete pain relief, and numbness, but wears off quickly.
• Discography – Sometimes a nerve block injection is used to diagnose the back pain. If this is done, your back pain doctor will ask you which injection relieves the pain. Then, once identified, an epidural or other treatment can be given.

Side Effects of Back Pain Injections

Light soreness, bruising, and redness around the site of the injection is common. Some people will also experience nausea, headache, and vomiting. In very rare cases, bleeding or infection can occur. Your Altoona, PA back pain doctor will discuss the side effects, as well as the other options with you during your appointment.

At the Pain & Spine Specialists of Maryland LLC, we offer a number of different treatments for patients with back pain. Some of these include back pain injections. Whether you have chronic or acute back pain, call the Pain & Spine Specialists of Maryland LLC today to learn more.

Tips for Back Pain Relief

Experiencing back pain, Several immediate steps can be taken to assist with relief from pain. Our doctor may suggest making several lifestyle changes in efforts to manage symptoms better as sometimes they can play a significant factor in the pain you are suffering. Consider the following:

Tip #1: Build up your muscle strength through exercise. This can keep your back strong and prevent injuries from occurring. In some cases, your doctor may even recommend physical therapy to assist in this process.

Tip #2: Make efforts to always practice good posture by standing up straight, keeping your shoulders back, and your head level. Whether standing or sitting, good posture is essential.

Tip #3: Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet. Extra weight can put additional strain on the body, causing further pain.

Tip #4: Make sure you are sleeping on a mattress that is right for you. Sometimes sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too firm may cause problems. Additionally, be aware that mattresses should be replaced every 6-8 years as it can affect your sleep and cause stiff and painful joints.

While small changes can certainly help to assist in pain management, it may not cause pain to disappear altogether. However, sometimes, lifestyle changes, combined with treatment from our Altoona, PA back pain doctor, may play a critical role in getting your pain under control.

Facing Back Injuries

There are many reasons for back pain to occur, and in some cases, they may be the result of an injury. Common back injuries, you may seek our care for include:

• Arthritis
• Bulging Disks
• Ligament Strain
• Herniated Disc

It may be possible for you to stop the chronic, daily pain you have been living with. Whether you are suffering from chronic pain or injury, we can provide you with treatments aimed at your recovery in efforts to improve your quality of life. Our doctors may recommend a variety of treatments for you intended to assist in this process.

Seeking Our Care

At Pain & Spine Specialists, we put our patients first by carefully listening to their needs and outlining treatments that aim to reduce pain and improve their overall quality of life. We will work diligently to identify the cause of the back pain by helping you feel as comfortable as possible. Please schedule an appointment with our Altoona, Pennsylvania, back pain doctor; we can help you take control of your condition and get your pain under control.