Tens of millions of Americans suffer back pain at any given time. The issue adds up. Annual costs for back pain exceed $12 billion. These include both health care and indirect costs, including lost productivity and missed workdays.
The toll of this common health condition is clear. Deciding what to do when you’re experiencing a bout of back pain is often less so.
“Coping with pain is stressful, and deciding what to do about it can add to that,” says Dr. Jayden Der, a Physiatrist with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. “A physiatrist or pain management specialist can diagnose your condition and offer treatments to help you return to the activities that matter most to you.”
As a physiatrist, Dr. Der’s focuses include working with people experiencing neck, back, and spine pain. In his practice, he fields many questions. Here, he provides answers to some queries he hears most frequently.
Top Back Pain FAQs
1. When should I seek medical care for my back pain?
The general guideline is to seek care if your back pain hasn’t improved after a week of home treatment. Home treatments can include rest (in moderation), light physical activity such as walking, ice/heat, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
Make an appointment with your primary care provider if your back pain:
- Is constant or intense, especially at night or when lying down
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
- Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Occurs with unintended weight loss
- Occurs with swelling or redness on the back
Seek emergency care if your back pain:
- Occurs after a trauma, such as a car crash, bad fall, or sports injury
- Causes new bowel or bladder control problems
- Occurs with a fever
2. What kind of doctor should I see if I have back pain?
Your primary care provider is a great place to start. Because they know you and your health history, they’re in a good position to make necessary referrals to specialists such as physiatrists or pain management physicians. They can also recommend chiropractic care or physical therapy.
Additional options include visiting ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care, open seven days a week, or calling the ThedaCare Orthopedic Care team at (920) 831-5050 to connect to specialist care.
3. When should I see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors may be able to help with minor aches and pains. If you’re having more severe pain, it’s a good idea to talk with your primary care provider first. They can help you determine if you might benefit from chiropractic care.
4. What other kinds of treatments are available for back pain?
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options can include home care recommendations, prescription medications, physical therapy, prescription medications, and injections.
The coordinated care we can offer is one great part of ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. I can easily consult about a case with my colleagues in pain management and neurosurgery. We all work together to offer comprehensive treatment options.
5. How can I prevent back pain?
It’s difficult to sidestep back pain altogether, but you can take several steps to help avoid problems. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Managing your weight
- Exercising — aim for a routine that includes cardio, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises
- Focusing on proper posture, both on the job and while doing household and yard work
- Abstaining from smoking
“If back pain is disrupting your life, don’t hesitate to seek care,” Dr. Der says. “As a physiatrist, it’s gratifying to help people get back to what’s meaningful to them.”
Get back in action. Visit ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care or call to schedule an appointment: (920) 831-5050.
