A back doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine and back. They perform physical exams and imaging tests to find the underlying cause of pain and recommend therapies or medications. Here is how a back doctor can assist with workplace-related back issues:
Diagnostic Imaging
A back doctor uses diagnostic imaging to create detailed visual representations of the body’s internal structures. For evaluating back pain, this often includes X-rays to assess bone alignment and detect structural abnormalities. MRIs are utilized to provide a more comprehensive view of soft tissues, including spinal discs, nerves, and ligaments, allowing for a clearer understanding of potential sources of discomfort. The spine doctor reviews the imaging results alongside findings from a thorough physical examination, carefully correlating symptoms with observed structural or tissue changes. This detailed analysis enables the spine doctor to develop a targeted treatment plan that precisely addresses the confirmed source of pain and optimizes spinal health.
Epidural Injections
An epidural injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of nerve irritation in your spinal cord. The injection contains a steroid medication and is administered into the area surrounding the spinal cord and the nerve roots that branch off from it. Your doctor uses this treatment when nerve compression is the primary cause of pain. The treatment helps facilitate recovery by providing a period of reduced pain and discomfort. With pain reduced, you can more effectively engage in rehabilitation and physical therapy. These activities help strengthen your core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct the underlying postural issues that contribute to back pain.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting an anesthetic into a specific nerve or group of nerves. Its goal is to interrupt the transmission of pain signals from that nerve to your brain. Nerve blocks offered by back doctors include:
- General nerve blocks
- Medial branch blocks
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
- Selective nerve root blocks
Medial branch blocks target the nerves that carry pain signals from the spinal facet joints. They are used for both diagnostic purposes — helping to identify the source of pain — and therapeutic purposes, to provide temporary relief. Sympathetic nerve blocks are designed to reduce abnormal pain signals by targeting specific sympathetic ganglia and are typically used for certain chronic pain conditions rather than general back pain. Selective nerve root blocks involve injections around a specific nerve root suspected of causing radicular symptoms, helping both to confirm the source of pain and to provide temporary relief.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to treat injuries. The doctor begins the process by drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge to separate platelets from other blood components. The resulting plasma is injected directly into the site experiencing pain. This helps deliver proteins and growth factors that support tissue repair and cellular regeneration.
The procedure is typically performed under sterile conditions, and the doctor may use imaging guidance to verify precise placement. Recovery protocols often include gradual adjustments to activity and monitoring for response, allowing the body to heal while minimizing stress on the affected area. The approach targets the source of pain at a cellular level, potentially promoting healing in tendons and ligaments.
Work With a Reputable Back Doctor
A back doctor provides coordinated care for back pain, including pain resulting from workplace injuries. This care may combine interventional treatments, such as injections or minimally invasive procedures, with rehabilitative strategies like physical therapy and exercise programs. This approach verifies that each component of care is aligned. Custom solutions may help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support spinal stability to maintain the benefits of treatment. Contact a reputable back doctor to learn more about their services.
