Dr. Jeffrey I. Kennis,  D.C.
205 Commercial St Boston, MA 02109 NORTH END

( 617)720-2329


 

When back pain strikes for the first time, it brings with it many decisions to be made: How long should you wait before seeing a doctor? What do the test results mean? Should you get surgery?

When back pain begins, an initial course of stretching and other nonsurgical treatments is often recommended before considering surgery. Watch: Hurdler Stretch for Low Back Pain Relief

There are no set of right or wrong answers to these questions—each person's individual situation is unique. But through the collective wisdom of spine specialists and others who have dealt with back pain, these six choices seem to be factors that may make your back pain worse or delay getting relief through the right treatment.

Mistake #1: Ignoring your pain for too long

While it's true that low back pain usually gets better within a few weeks, don't make the mistake of ignoring it too long. Go to a spine specialist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. With a correct diagnosis, you can start to map out a recovery plan that may include exercise, massage therapy, or a visit with a physical therapist.

Looking for a doctor? Check our directory of Spine-health certified physicians.

Mistake #2: Relying on your general practitioner for too long

Primary care physicians and general practitioners typically don’t have in-depth training in spine medicine, so it may be harder to get an accurate diagnosis and/or treatment plan. The best way your primary care doctor can help you is by referring you to an excellent spine professional.

See Specialists Who Treat Back Pain

If your back pain is severe and lasts for more than a couple of weeks, it's time to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a chiropractor or a spine specialist such as a physiatrist.

See How To Select The Best Chiropractor

Mistake #3: Choosing surgery too quickly

For many, it's tempting to view spine surgery as a "quick fix." However, it is typically recommended to try nonsurgical treatment for at least several weeks or months before consulting a spine surgeon (with a few exceptions). While surgery can fix a specific anatomical problem, such as a herniated disc pressing on a nerve, conditions like degenerative disc disease are better managed with a long-term plan for physical therapy and exercise.

See Back Pain Medication Overview: Understanding Medication for Back Pain Relief

back surgery

Back surgery aims to correct an anatomical lesion in individuals who fail to show improvement with nonsurgical treatment. See Back Surgery and Neck Surgery Overview

Mistake #4: Postponing back surgery for too long

On the other hand, for certain conditions patients tend to do better if they have surgery sooner. For example, when there is arm or leg pain and weakness because a nerve root is pinched, known as radiculopathy, it is often best to take pressure off the nerve root through surgery sooner to avoid developing nerve problems.

See Guidelines for Evaluating a Spine Surgeon

Mistake #5: Focusing on imaging results

Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans are just pictures; they do not show pain. In fact, you may have terrible pain and a scan that shows a normal-looking spine, or you may have a scan that shows a large herniated disc, yet have no pain. A skilled physician will be able to read your imaging test results and combine them with information from your patient history and physical exam to produce an accurate diagnosis.

See Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

Mistake #6: Remaining inactive

If you are in acute pain, a few days of doctor-recommended rest is fine. However, lack of activity can in fact lead to more pain over time, so don't stay idle too long. Keeping your back and supporting structures flexible and strong means that they can better support your spine, hasten the healing process, and minimize the chance of future pain or injury. The core abdominal and back muscles don't get much exercise from everyday activities and need specific attention.

See Back Exercises and Abdominal Exercise Recommendations

Back pain is different for everyone, so trust yourself—and get educated about your situation—so you have the best chance of getting better quickly.

See When to Seek Medical Care for Low Back Pain

Learn more:

40 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Back Surgery

Easy Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief

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