If you suffer from back pain and live in the Atlanta area – we want to help.
BACK PAIN EVALUATION
At Midtown Neurology, P.C. in Atlanta will begin by obtaining the patient’s history as to what kind of back pain and symptoms are present. Then, our providers will examine the person’s ability to move at the waist while bending forwards and backwards, rotating the hips, and even seeing how far the leg can be lifted with assistance. They will also examine the muscles in the lower back to check for muscle spasms, and check for weakness in the legs.
In some cases, further testing, such as an x-ray, computed tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or electrodiagnostic testing (EMG or electromyography) will be recommended. The need for these tests depends upon the person’s age, symptoms, and medical history.
TREATMENTS FROM OUR ATLANTA OFFICE
At the Midtown Neurology clinic in Atlanta, we have a licensed Physical Therapist who works side-by-side with our providers to treat back pain. This ideal relationship allows for fast and easy communication between the professionals involved in your care. Also, should the patient have new symptoms while under treatment, the therapist can call upon the provider to see the patient immediately. This constant face-to-face communication occurs throughout the day allowing for a more complete and comprehensive treatment plan.
In addition to physical therapy, we are proud to include IDD treatments for the lower back from our Atlanta office. This revolutionary treatment can actually FIX the lower back problem, depending on the cause of the pain. We enjoy an high success rate in reducing or eliminating back pain with our comprehensive program. In fact, we have before and after MRIs actually showing the disc returning to its normal position!
OTHER TREATMENTS
Epidural injection — If needed, the provider may order an epidural injection should the medications, exercises, and physical therapy not help. This is performed by specialized physicians and under x-ray guidance. The steroid injection will alleviate much, if not all of the pain, the majority of the time. The body can safely have 3 of these in a 6-month period of time.
Electric stimulation – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment that uses a mild electric current, which is applied to the skin, to decrease pain and increase mobility and strength. This may be used in conjunction with therapy, medications, and injections. The physical therapist will help the patient determine if this modality will be beneficial, and if so, will order it for the patient.
Surgery – Surgery is always a last resort option for lower back pains and conditions. Surgery does have a role in relieving symptoms related to a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc after a trial of conservative therapy (e.g., stretching exercises, physical therapy, etc.). People with chronic lower back pain who do not improve with the above treatments may benefit from referral to a Spine or Pain Specialty clinic. Our providers have close relationships with Atlanta’s top spine surgeons and will consult with the patient should this be needed. Again, this may be recommended only as a last resort should all other treatments fail.
Call 404-653-0039 to schedule a consultation for your back pain in the Atlanta area.
Links to Help You Learn About Back Pain
National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Strokes on Back Pain
