This is the second post in a four-part series where we talk about Scott Baker’s low back issue. In Part I: Investigating Your Options, Scott told us his personal story about low back pain. We discussed the primary care physician’s role as a first line of defense, and how they may recommend a chiropractor that’s able to address the underlying issue.
Primary care has evolved gradually to a certain degree. The physician might perform a few orthopedic tests, ask you some questions, and make a referral to an orthopedic specialist or even a neurosurgeon if they felt that it was appropriate. They act as a hub, so to speak, and they will make recommendations to see a specialist.
However, as healthcare costs continue to rise, we’re constantly looking into ways to save money. Instead of performing an MRI and then making an orthopedic referral, the physician may select more conservative options that are less expensive (yet just as effective). For instance, they may refer a patient to someone like me to determine the best course of action. Do they need an MRI or X-ray, or is it something more serious that requires an orthopedic specialist or neurosurgeon?
If you’re in a situation where your primary care physician doesn’t have a relationship with a chiropractor, you essentially won’t know who to turn to. Maybe you don’t have any experience with chiropractors, or maybe you’ve heard a horror story from a friend. In that case, I highly encourage you to do your research about the chiropractor you’re planning to visit. You should be looking online for reviews just like you would before getting a haircut or visiting a mechanic.
What should you be looking for? First of all, steer clear from chiropractic offices that are going to shoot X-rays on every single patient. Instead, you’ll want to look for keywords like evidence-based care, patient-centric care, and conservative approaches. The goal is to find a science-based chiropractor who will choose an effective plan that’s based on your situation. If possible, ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you’ve done your due diligence, you can be confident in the chiropractor you chose.
What about consulting ‘Dr. Google’ to try to help my low back pain as well? I was hoping to see if I could figure out if the pain originated in my muscle or in my nerve.
While ‘Dr. Google’ might give you some generally useful information, I would definitely be careful about which sites you trust. I would also highly recommend that you visit a qualified care provider before following online advice. In terms of differentiating between nerve and muscle pain, nerve pain can be described as numbness, tingling, or a shooting electricity feeling. These are neurological symptoms that could be associated with disc herniation or a pinched nerve. Muscle pain is characterized by dull, achey pain. Remember, just because you’re experiencing muscle pain doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.
The key is to visit a professional who can determine your issue and devise a plan of attack. If you’re facing a similar situation to Scott, you might be traveling with your family or going on a business trip only to experience the recurrence of low back pain. A lot of times people just don’t know what to do when they’re in that situation. That’s why we think it’s important that patients are equipped with self-management strategies.
If we’re able to educate you about the strategies you can take, you’ll be well prepared. The next time you experience low back pain, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make yourself feel better. It’s possible to take action right from your hotel suite or nearby fitness center. That way, your vacation won’t be completely wasted while you’re laying down in pain.
Stay tuned for Part III in our series, where we’ll be talking about the different philosophies that chiropractors utilize.
click here to read Part I of this series
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