Understanding The Symptoms Of Back Pain
- Level of PainThe experience of pain varies in intensity from individual to individual it may be mild, moderate, severe, or somewhere in between.
- Duration of PainThe pain can be acute – occurring for a short period of time, episodic recurring now and then, or chronic experienced for a sustained period of time generally longer than 3 months. The level of pain can vary from mild to severe when the problem is episodic or chronic.
- LocationBack pain can occur anywhere on back, but is generally described as axial or radicular. Axial back pain usually occurs at the position of the spine, anywhere from the coccyx to the neck, and is the most common manifestation of back pain. Axial pain is usually focal, occurring in one region of the back. Axial pain usually starts acutely but can then become chronic. Radicular back pain tends to radiate outward from the spine into the lower extremities such as the arms or down the legs, as in sciatica. Both axial and radicular pain can be experienced in the lower back, the middle of the back, or in the upper back, extending to the shoulders and neck.
- Quality of Pain and Associated SymptomsBack pain can be experienced as dull or sharp, deep or shallow, and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. It can also be accompanied by limited mobility and other biomechanical issues.
The Differences In Treatment With Orthopedic Doctors Vs Neurologists
There are a few prominent procedures only each specialty doctor is trained to perform. For instance, only a neurologist is trained to perform surgery inside the dura, the lining of the spinal canal.
For this reason, a neurologist is the best option for treating conditions such as a tethered spinal cord or spinal cord tumor. Conditions such as syringomyelia and Chiari malformation also still fall under the neurologist specialty. On the other hand, such conditions like pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, or kyphosis still fall under the realm of an orthopedic doctor.
Today, both types of doctors have developed a friendly working relationship and can work together to provide comprehensive care. Together, they want you to receive treatment for the best end results. But if there are subtle differences in your injuries such as the ones listed above, they would be better addressed by either a neurologist or an orthopedic doctor to achieve the desired outcome and recovery.
AICA Orthopedics employs highly trained, skilled neurologists and orthopedic doctors. Our team strives to provide accurate diagnoses and quality treatment for the source of your injuries or pain.
With knowledge, expertise, and experience, our specialists place patient needs at the top of the priority list in order to provide you specific and individualized care. To learn more about our neurologists and orthopedic doctors, please dont hesitate to .
What Are Neurological Disorders
There are over 600 neurological disorders short-term or chronic health conditions that affect the brain, spine and both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common neurological disorders include multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , Parkinsons disease and epilepsy, as well as memory disorders like Alzheimers disease. Malformations in the brain, such as arteriovenous malformations, Chiari malformation, and aneurysms are considered neurological conditions, and so are tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Events such as stroke and trauma to the brain or spine and nerve problems like neuropathy and neuralgia are also treated by specialists in neurology.
Neurological disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, from muscle weakness and numbness in peripheral areas such as hands and feet to problems with coordination, vision, concentration and sensation. Paralysis, seizures, and unexplained pain can also indicate a neurological problem.
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What To Expect During A Neurological Exam
A neurologist can help identify the cause of symptoms and create a treatment plan for both common and complex neurological conditions.
During a neurological exam, instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, may be used to assess the nervous system. Motor skills, balance, coordination and mental status may also be tested.
Multiple sclerosis is an example of a complex condition that may be best treated by a neurologist.
“MS has various forms, and the treatment options have changed significantly over recent years,” Dr. Bruce says.
Patients can benefit from the expertise of a neurologist who is familiar with the latest research and treatment options for MS and other neurological conditions.
Why Would I Need To See A Neurologist For My Eye
Neurologists specialize in disorders and diseases that affect the brain and the nervous system. Since the eyes can be affected by some of these conditions, doctors who specialize in neurology may be needed to diagnose and treat certain visual conditions. Some ophthalmologists specialize in neurology and eye issues, but for most eye conditions involving the brain, a neurologist would be needed to make the diagnosis.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Causes Of Persistent Lower Back Pain
Pain is taken into consideration persistent as soon as it lasts for more than 3 months and also goes beyond the bodys natural healing process. Chronic pain in the low back commonly includes a disc problem, a joint issue, and/or an inflamed nerve root. Typical reasons consist of:
Lumbar herniated disc. The jelly-like center of a back disc can break through the difficult external layer as well as irritate a close-by nerve root. The herniated section of the disc teems with healthy proteins that cause inflammation when they reach a nerve root, and swelling, in addition to nerve compression, cause nerve origin pain. The disc wall surface is additionally highly provided by nerve fibers, and a tear with the wall surface can create extreme pain.
Degenerative disc illness. At birth, intervertebral discs contain water as well as at their healthiest. As people age over time, discs shed hydration as well as wear down. As the disc sheds hydration, it can not stand up to forces as well, as well as transfers force to the disc wall surface that might create tears and also create pain or weakening that can bring about a herniation. The disc can also break down and also contribute to constriction.
Three Signs You May Need To See A Neurologist For Your Headaches
Headaches are common but some are much more serious than others. How do you know when yours warrants a trip to a neurologist?
The following signs indicate your headaches may be caused by a neurological issue, says Dr. Greg McLauchlin, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine.
You take headache medication often
If you get frequent headaches, its tempting to take medication for them regularly. However, McLauchlin says this could be a sign of a more serious condition.
It is important to realize that some over-the-counter medicines can actually make headaches worse if they are taken too frequently, said McLauchlin. Also, over-the-counter medicines can do damage to the stomach, kidneys and liver if taken in excess.
He suggests that anyone who takes over-the-counter medicine to alleviate headaches five or more days out of the month should go see a doctor.
Headaches disrupt daily activities
A visit with your primary care physician is a good place to start for headaches that are not disabling but more of a nuisance. However, immobilizing headaches may warrant a trip to a neurologist.
Patients should see a neurologist for any headache that is disabling, McLauchlin said. This applies to you if you have to stop what you are doing and lie down during a headache.
Additional symptoms
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Neurologist Near Stony Brook
If you experience acute or chronic low back pain, consider getting yourself the treatment your body deserves. Back pain can act as a huge detriment to the daily tasks in our lives, and it is something that should be taken care of sooner rather than later. Back pain will rarely get better on its own, and if you are experiencing back pain, you should seek the guidance of our neurologist near Stony Brook. Our professional care will set you on the right path towards recovery and help you to live a pain-free life. Contact us today to set up an appointment and give yourself a chance to live the life you deserve.
What Do Neurologists Do
Neurologists provide medical, but not surgical, treatment of diseases affecting the brain, spine and nervous system. To become a neurologist a medical school graduate must train for three years in a neurology residency program. Many neurologists take additional training in a specialization such as epilepsy, pain management or sleep medicine. Their field overlaps somewhat with that of a neurosurgeon for example a neurologist might collaborate with a neurosurgeon for an epilepsy patient, referring him/her to the neurosurgeon if a surgical procedure could help the patient.
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Neurological Symptoms After Recovering From Covid
Doctors are still learning about COVID-19 and studying the effects it can have on people. Its been observed that some people whove had COVID-19 experience neurologic symptoms that linger even after theyve been treated. These lingering symptoms can include:
- headaches
- trouble sleeping
- stroke
At the time of this article, its unclear how long these symptoms might last in a person who had COVID-19. As doctors learn more about COVID-19 and its effects on the body, they might be able to see more patterns in these symptoms or determine a normal timeline for complete recovery.
No matter how long these symptoms last, a neurologist can help. They can make sure theres no other cause for the symptoms and can help patients manage them. They can also record and track these symptoms to help the healthcare community understand how to better treat them.
What Does A Neurosurgeon Do For Back Pain
Most people are under the impression that neurosurgeons deal with brain-related issues. But in reality, neurosurgeons do more than just that. They get to deal with the entire body too as the field of neurology deals with the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord as well as the network of nerves branched out over the entire body.
In reality, about 70% of a neurosurgeons time is spent dealing with issues related to the spine. This includes conditions like neck pain, back pain and associated leg pain. Neurosurgeons also get to deal with painful conditions like sciatica, stroke, epilepsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, low back pain and chronic pain. To put it simply, neurosurgeons focus on the bodys nervous system and the problems arising from it whether its due to degenerative conditions, chronic pain or trauma.
Out of these, back pain is a common disorder which affects millions of people every year. Your neurosurgeon will help in finding out the reason of your back pain. Most are due to muscle sprains, strains or spasms and intervertabral disc degeneration. Diagnosis can be based on x-rays, CT scans, MRI scan or myelograms which give detailed views of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Neurosurgeons first attempt to treat the back pain with conservative means, including anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and hot/cold packs, etc. Surgery is only considered if these non-invasive therapies fail.
Some of the common causes of back pain include:
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Causes Of Neurological Back And Neck Pain
Often neurological back and neck pain is caused by wear and tear as you age. Part of the aging process where we develop neck and back pain can be caused by excessive pressure or even develop after an injury. While aging is one of the main causes, diseases such as Alzheimers Disease, epilepsy or tumors can cause neurological neck and back pain.
Do Neurologists Treat Mental Health Conditions
Neurologists treat nervous system conditions. This includes conditions that impact your brain, like concussions or seizures, but it doesnt include mental health conditions like depression.
Neurologists specialize in physical conditions that are caused by damage or disease to your nervous system. They dont treat conditions that involve brain chemicals or brain function.
However, a specialist called a neuropsychologist can treat depression and other mental health conditions. They study the relationship between your brain and the actions you take, and they treat the way your brain influences the things you do in everyday life.
They can help you manage any conditions through strategy and intervention. Neuropsychologists dont prescribe medications.
Although neurologists dont treat mental health conditions like depression, its important to talk to them about your mental health. If youve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, let your neurologist know. It could be causing symptoms that are similar to neurological conditions.
For example, depression can lead to unexplained trouble with memory.
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Diagnosing Low Back Pain
Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on history, symptoms, physical examination and results of diagnostic studies. Some patients may be treated conservatively if conservative treatment is ineffective, the physician may order imaging studies of the lower back and other tests, which may include:
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Initial therapy in your home might consist of warm application and also staying clear of reinjury as well as hefty training. Prescription drugs that are in some cases utilized for intense lower back pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, by shot or by mouth, muscle relaxants,Long periods of inactivity in bed are no longer recommended, as this therapy might in fact slow healing. Spine manipulation for durations of up to one month has actually been located to be valuable in some patients that do not have indications of nerve inflammation.
Future injury is prevented by using back-protection techniques throughout tasks and also support devices as needed at home or work.
Muscle Mass Stress and also Ligament SprainA lower back strain or stress can happen all of a sudden, or can establish slowly in time from repeated movements.
Pressures take place when a muscular tissue is extended also much as well as rips, damaging the muscle itself.
Sprains take place when over-stretching and tearing influences ligaments, which link the bones together.
For practical objectives, it does not matter whether the muscle or tendon is harmed, as the signs and therapy are the same.
Common causes of strain and strain consist of:
While sprains and also strains do not seem serious and do not usually cause resilient pain, the sharp pain can be quite severe.
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How Can A Neurologist Assess If Back Pain Is Long Term Or Short Term
If you have been told you have a pinched nerve in your back and need to see a neurologist, there are a few things you should be made aware of before leaving the office.
First of all, a pinched nerve in the back is usually not a life-threatening issue.
However, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort for the patient.
Second, even though a pinched nerve in the back does not always cause life-threatening issues, a neurologist will be able to assess whether back pain is short term or long term, and what type of treatment is best. Some patients with back pain can simply rest, and some may require more intense pain treatment.
Usually when a patient comes into the neurologists office, they will undergo a neurological exam first. This is usually completed within fifteen to twenty minutes, and the patient can leave feeling more positive about their condition. From the examination, the neurologist will be able to determine whether back pain is short term or long term. At this point, the patient can decide whether they want to get treatment right away, or if they would like to try to wait out their symptoms.
A good chiropractor can assess the severity of your back pain as well. In addition, a good chiropractor will be able to help you manage your pain.
Unfortunately, many people do not realize that chiropractic care can help address back problems, since most people think of this type of care as just for the spine.
Many Surgeons Have An Inherent Lean Toward Surgery
Surgeons will order diagnostic tests like MRIs and x-rays, just like a general or family doctor can. The difference is that surgeons cant help seeing every patient through the lens of their most powerful tool: Can surgery help this patient? Looking at a problem through these lens causes them to overlook other, nonsurgical treatments. Thus, even the best surgeons may recommend an unnecessary surgery.
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What Is Neurological Back And Neck Pain
Neurological back and neck pain is pain that affects your nervous system. This type of pain is more than muscle aches, it may be a symptom of a neurological disorder. Its crucial to understand the difference between neurological back and neck pain and normal back and neck pain that can occur in the muscles.
Superior Nerve Brain Spine And Back Care In Lone Tree Aurora Colorado Springs And Aurora Co
If you are nervous about what to expect, rest assured that there are many treatment approaches to neurological conditions. Many of our treatment plans at Front Range Spine And Neurosurgery postpone the need for surgery or eliminate it altogether.
Drs. Rauzzino, Boyer, Duhon, and Szuszczewicz are our board-certified neurosurgeons. You can trust their expertise and patient-centered treatment approach to give you the results you want using the treatment methods you are comfortable with.
for an appointment, or use our online appointment request form to book an appointment at one of our four locations.
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