Back Spasm Treatment Options | Advice From Pain Doctors

Back Spasm Treatments – Do I Need Surgery?

If you’re suffering from back pain and looking for back spasm treatments, the great news is that there are Board Certified pain doctors who have many conservative treatment options to help you.

The human spine is an important and intricate support system. It connects many bones, ligaments, muscles and nerves to help provide support and movement. If someone suffers from back spasms, it means that the muscles in the back have involuntarily contracted or tensed up. This can create varying levels of pain and discomfort in individuals – some experience mild discomfort whilst others experience high levels of pain and subsequent muscle weakness.

Back spasm causes range from repetitive strain that is put on muscles, to heavy lifting and manual work. They can also occur due to arthritis and ruptured discs in the spine. This is because the muscles around a problem area can contract in order to protect it from further harm – this causes the muscles to tense and subsequently spasm. As there are many reasons your back muscles may be going into a spasm, it is highly recommended that you visit a pain management physician.

Fortunately, there are many successful treatment options that can help your back spasms that avoid the need for surgery. It is known that surgery can be risky, requires long recovery periods and can create an over-reliance on narcotics. Research is beginning to highlight the detrimental effects associated with invasive surgeries and the consumption of drugs.

Now that we have discussed the importance of considering convervative treatment options, let’s take a look at the latest advancements in pain medicine.  There are various treatments for back spasms, including:

Facet Joint Injections

A facet joint injection is an excellent way to feel the benefits of immediate pain relief. It can be performed multiple times depending on how many joints are affected and can even assist a doctor in the diagnosis of your pain. It works by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic into one or more of the small vertebrae along the spine. It is important to ensure that this procedure is carried out by a Board Certified pain doctor.

Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation

Lumbar RFA is an excellent method for long-term pain relief and is typically used to treat chronic low back pain. It is a steroid-free option that applies heat using alternating current technology. The heat energy is produced by a special generator that operates at high frequencies. It is generally prescribed for individuals who have already had minor procedures, such as lumbar facet joint injections.

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a short-term way to alleviate discomfort caused by back spasms.  They work by depressing the activity of the central nervous system. They may be prescribed if pain medicine that is used to reduce inflammation is not working. However, muscle relaxants can be habit-forming and are only prescribed for short periods of time. It is also imperative that you do not operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol while consuming muscle relaxants.

Before committing to surgery, consider visiting a Board Certified pain doctor. Pain doctors are leaders in the field of pain medicine and use the latest techniques to diagnose and target pain. They will answer any concerns you may have and will work with you to get you returning to full health.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Like any other medical condition, your medical history and currently lifestyle choices can affect your risk of developing back spasms. Let’s take a look at the risk factors commonly associated with developing back pain:

• Age – back pain and related conditions that may be causing spasms can occur at any age. However, issues are more likely to occur in individuals over the age of 45 due to wear and tear.
• Diet – eating a lot of calories and having a high sugar intake can cause problems with weight and obesity. Weight loss is recommended to facilitate back pain. A qualified pain doctor can assist with advice on safe ways to lose weight.
• Genetics – some individuals may be more prone to issues such as disc disease. This can cause other problems, such as muscle spasms and problems with mobility.
• Occupation – individuals in jobs that require heavy lifting and manual work means there is a greater chance of developing back issues. Putting excess weight and strain on bones, ligaments and tendons can cause back problems further down the line. Poor posture and sitting in a chair for long periods of time also increases the risk of developing back problems.

There are many conditions and diseases that can potentially create back spasms. As a result, it is recommended that a visit to a pain doctor is considered. Pain doctors will be able to accurately assess and diagnose your area of pain. They will then work with you to establish the best treatment plan to suit your lifestyle.

What Will Happen When I See A Pain Doctor?

As there are many conditions that can be responsible for back pain, it is important you seek medical advice from a pain management physician.

Pain doctors have advanced training in the diagnosis and management of functional pain, usually concerning the spine, bone or joints. They have access to the latest conservative treatments for back pain that avoid the risks associated with unnecessary surgeries or narcotics. A pain doctor devotes more focus to finding a procedural or interventional treatment option that avoids surgery and long-term narcotic use. Long-term narcotic use and surgery has many risks and are not always the necessary treatment of choice.

When you visit a pain doctor, you will receive a full assessment. This may involve your pain doctor taking your medical history and examining the area of pain. They may even use imaging equipment (for example, an X-ray machine or ultrasound scan) to assess the site. They will then prescribe a treatment regimen that consists of RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) as well as recommending the best physical therapist in conjunction with a minimally-invasive procedure. In some instances, your pain doctor may want to take a blood test to screen for different conditions and diseases that may affect your spine.

Importantly, pain doctors believe in the importance of maximizing health through minimally-invasive procedures. They listen to their patients and answer any queries or questions that come to mind. At the VIP Medical Group, our Board Certified world-class pain doctors are extremely friendly and put patient care at the heart of their treatment plans. With  access to the latest treatments and state-of-the-art facilities, the VIP Medical Group is a Center of Excellence for patient care and outcomes.