Neurological Condition
Lower Back Pain
Every back pain and neck pain patient is unique, with different degrees of problems associated with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist is trained to discover the causes of symptoms, as well as using EMG testing to assess the injury to nerves and whether it is reversible in the short and long term.
Specific treatment for low back pain will be determined by your doctor based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Diagnosis
- Extent of the condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Medication
- Physical rehabilitation and/or therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Weight loss (if overweight)
- No smoking
- Following a prevention program (as directed by your doctor)
- Surgery
- Assistive devices (for example, mechanical back supports)
Low back pain rehabilitation
Generally, there are 3 phases to low back pain rehabilitation. These include the following:
- Phase I: Acute Phase. During this initial phase, the physiatrist and treatment team focus on making a diagnosis, developing an appropriate treatment plan, and implementing the treatment regimen to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include any or all of the items listed above and/or the utilization of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or specialized injections.
- Phase II: Recovery Phase. Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehabilitation team then focuses on helping the patient to restore working function of the body. This includes returning the patient to normal daily activities while implementing a specialized exercise program that is designed to help the individual regain flexibility and strength.
- Phase III: Maintenance Phase. The goal of this phase of low back pain rehabilitation is 2-fold — educating the individual on ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back, and helping the individual to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness to help further increase strength and endurance.
