Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp pain, back pain can take away your ability to enjoy your hobbies and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Pain management is a specialized approach designed to diagnose, treat, and reduce back pain effectively.

Pain management specialists combine multiple types of therapies and approaches to build a treatment plan that works best for your needs. This guide will walk you through what pain management entails, how it works for back pain, and what you may expect during your journey to recovery.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor — in fact, 39% of American adults experience back pain. Unfortunately, back pain can affect your ability to move, work, or enjoy everyday life.

Understanding what’s causing your pain is an important first step when it comes to feeling better. Common causes of back pain include the following:

• Muscle Strain: Lifting something heavy or twisting the wrong way.
• Herniated Discs: When the cushions between the bones in the spine get damaged.
• Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints of the spine.
• Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting for long periods.
• Injuries: Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.
• Osteoporosis: Brittle bones that can break more easily.

What Is Pain Management?

Pain management is a field of medicine that focuses on treating pain and helping you move better. It focuses on finding the cause of your back pain and using safe, effective methods to ease it.

The best part is that pain management doctors can work closely with you to create a plan that fits your needs. They aim to address the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms of your pain.

Can Any Doctor Perform Pain Management?

While regular doctors might be able to prescribe pain medication, pain management doctors have special training in finding and treating pain. After medical school, they complete years of extra education to learn about possible causes and treatments for conditions like back pain.

They also train in advanced treatments, such as injections and nerve treatments, that many general doctors don’t typically perform as part of their practice. Pain specialists also know how to use alternative therapies to encourage healing.

How Can Pain Management Help With Back Pain?

When you schedule a first visit with a pain management doctor in Bartlesville, one of the first things you’ll notice is that there are plenty of paths you can take when it comes to treatment. From medications to nerve blocks, you and your doctor can talk about combining treatments to find an approach that targets your pain in a way you’re comfortable with.

Medications

Medications can be an important part of a pain management plan, especially for back pain. For instance, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (generic name for Advil) or acetaminophen (generic name for Tylenol) may be recommended for mild pain.

For more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or (in special, carefully monitored cases) short-term opioids. Medications like nerve stabilizers or antidepressants can also help if your pain is linked to nerve issues.

Your doctor carefully monitors your medication use to help you avoid side effects or dependency. Medications are helpful but are often combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy or injections, to provide more widespread relief.

At-Home Therapies

A pain management doctor may recommend simple changes that you can make at home to help ease back pain. These could include the following:

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying ice or heat packs to the affected area can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Mobility Exercises: Gentle stretching or yoga can improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension.
• Staying Active: Rest is helpful, but avoid staying in bed for long periods, as it can make the pain worse.
• Topical Remedies: Over-the-counter creams or patches with ingredients like menthol or capsaicin may also provide temporary relief.
• Supporting Better Posture: Investing in supportive chairs or ergonomic work setups can help prevent strain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common treatment for back pain. This complementary therapy focuses on strengthening muscles and improving movement to reduce pain. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to help you improve your posture, flexibility, and core strength with the goal of supporting your spine and reducing strain.

Physical therapy can also teach you ways to move safely so that you don’t get hurt again, as well as avoid positions or habits that worsen your pain. In addition to exercises, a therapist might use treatments like massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.

Injections and Nerve Blocks

Injections and nerve blocks are targeted treatments that can provide fast relief for certain types of back pain. Steroid injections, for example, reduce inflammation around irritated nerves or joints. Meanwhile, nerve blocks temporarily stop pain signals from reaching the brain by numbing specific nerves.

These procedures might be recommended for conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, or sciatica. They are minimally invasive and generally require little recovery time. However, these procedures are not really permanent fixes for pain, and often patients need to have them repeated to stay comfortable.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures might be recommended when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief. These include techniques like radiofrequency ablation (which uses heat to disable pain-causing nerves) or spinal cord stimulation (where a small device is implanted to block pain signals).

Meanwhile, procedures like kyphoplasty or discectomy can address structural problems like fractures or herniated discs. Unlike traditional surgery, these options involve smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and fewer risks.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes might not seem like they have much to do with back pain, but small daily changes can make a big difference in recovery. For instance, regular exercise strengthens the back and core muscles, which can reduce strain on the spine.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also ease pressure on the joints and discs. Practicing good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping can help people avoid future injuries and reduce their chances of worsening potential injuries.

It’s also important to quit smoking, as it can reduce blood flow to the spine and slow healing. Meanwhile, it’s also helpful to make some dietary changes.

Diet and stress can have a big impact on overall levels of inflammation in your body, which can worsen pain. Your pain management doctor might recommend working with a nutritionist to switch to an anti-inflammatory diet, as well as a therapist to help you develop ways to manage stress.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies might not treat back pain on their own, but when used alongside traditional pain management techniques, they can help make your pain even more manageable.

These include the following:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate natural pain relief.
• Chiropractic: Chiropractic care focuses on adjusting the spine to improve alignment and reduce pain.
• Massage: Massage therapy helps relax tense muscles and improve circulation.
• Yoga: This practice combines gentle stretches with relaxation to help reduce back pain.
• Meditation: Mindfulness practices to address the mental impact of chronic pain.

When Should You Consider Surgery?

Surgery is usually the last option for back pain when other treatments haven’t worked. For instance, you might need surgery if you have a serious problem like a herniated disc pressing on a nerve, spine damage, or severe arthritis. Common pain management surgeries include fixing discs, removing bone spurs, or fusing bones together.

Surgery can relieve pain, but it comes with risks and recovery time. A pain management doctor can help you explore every non-surgical option first to make sure surgery is the best choice.

When To Visit a Pain Management Doctor

It might be time to see a pain management specialist if your back pain lasts more than a few weeks, gets worse, or stops you from doing normal activities. You should also seek help if you feel numbness, weakness, or have trouble walking or controlling your bladder. Don’t wait too long — getting help early can make a big difference.

How To Choose a Good Pain Management Doctor

Choosing a Tulsa pain management doctor who aligns with your goals and values can help make recovery much easier. Start by looking for a doctor with specialized training in pain medicine and a good reputation.

You can also ask for recommendations from your primary care doctor, friends, or family. Once you’ve found a doctor you like, check if they have experience treating back pain. In your first visit, make sure the doctor listens to you and explains things clearly. Online reviews and patient feedback can also help you learn more about their approach and success with other patients.

How To Prepare for Your First Pain Management Appointment

To make the most of your first visit, come prepared. Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse. Bring a list of any medications you’re taking and any relevant medical records, such as X-rays or MRIs.

Be ready to talk about your daily habits, work, and activities, and wear comfortable clothing just in case you might need an exam. Most importantly, ask questions so you fully understand the next steps. If you need to, write down every question you have before your appointment so you don’t forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Pain Management Take To Work?

Pain management results can vary based on the situation. Some treatments, like injections, may offer relief within a few days, while physical therapy or lifestyle changes can take weeks or months. Your doctor can create a plan based on your needs and help set realistic expectations for how quickly you might feel better.

Will I Need To See Multiple Pain Management Providers?

In many cases, you’ll work with one primary pain management doctor. However, they may recommend other specialists, such as physical therapists or chiropractors, to provide additional care. This team approach can help you get the best results.

Is Pain Management Covered By Insurance?

Most pain management treatments are covered by insurance, but coverage depends on your plan and the specific treatments. Contact your insurance provider or ask the clinic to confirm what’s included before starting.

Will I Need To Take Medication Long-Term?

Not necessarily. Pain management focuses on reducing your reliance on medications by using other treatments like physical therapy, injections, and lifestyle changes. Your doctor can discuss a plan that fits your long-term health goals.

How Often Will I Need To Attend Follow-Ups?

The number of follow-up visits needed depends on your treatment plan. Some patients need weekly visits, while others might only need check-ins every few months. Your doctor can guide you on what’s best, and remember that your treatment plan might change.

Can I Keep Working While Undergoing Pain Management?

In most cases, yes. Pain management plans are designed to fit into your life. That being said, your doctor might suggest adjustments at work, like using better posture or modifying certain tasks, to help you heal.

Do I Need a Referral To See a Pain Management Specialist?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor, while others allow you to schedule an appointment directly. Check with your insurance provider to confirm.

Final Thoughts: What Does Pain Management Do for Back Pain

Back pain can impact every part of your life, but there are many options available to help you manage your pain. These can include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures.

By working with a qualified pain management specialist, you can create a personalized plan to address your specific needs and get back to doing the things you love. If you’re ready to take the next step toward managing your back pain, schedule an appointment with a pain management doctor in Stillwater today.