Many people aren’t willing to seek assistance, fearing they’ll be told that they need surgery.
The experts at Temple Health say in fact there are many alternatives to non-surgical treatment for the pain and getting back to normal. But many people suffering from pain might not know about the various options available.
Pamela Daskus of Wyncote vividly remembers the moment when she felt pain the morning before going to work.
“I was getting ready, getting dressed. I noticed a acute discomfort in my neck that was going down my arm” says Daskus.
If oral medication didn’t work, Daskus was referred to Dr. Gary Trehan, an interventional pain specialist at Temple Health.
The doctor Dr. Trehan, the section chief of acute and chronic pain, says that the first stage is to identify the source in order to distinguish chronic from acute pain.
“50 or 60%” of the cases of acute back pain is thought to be mostly muscles spasms and muscle tendon strains, resolve within about a week. The majority of the time will is better within 6-8 months,” claims the doctor. Trehan.
The Dr. Trehan says a conservative method – anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants, as well as massage, heat, as well as physical therapy can help those.
If the pain is still present until the chronic stage of three months, another medication may be helpful.
“Such as anti-epileptics as we refer to them, such as Lyrica gabapentin or antidepressants.” The Dr. Trehan notes.
The herniated disks that were in Daskus neck required the next stage of intervention.
“He dealt with them using an injection of steroids that helped. Then we began having it done about two times every one year.” the doctor says.
The Dr. Trehan says misinformation and fear of injections prevent certain patients from exploring this option. He says it is particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to use anti-inflammatory drugs or relaxants for muscle.
“2 up to seven days after they begin to show. Then we’re expecting that they last three months or so,” he says.
The dosage can be customized according to the specific condition. The doctor doesn’t make the same choice for every injection.
Daskus is also now receiving injections into her back to treat spinal arthritis.
The different treatments permit her to exercise regularly like pilates and yoga that helps her stay on top of her tension.
“I’ll be able to move my body with a way I was unable to before and I feel better,” she says, she adds, “Even with the injections and everythingelse, you’ll need to continue moving.”
In addition to injections doctors. Trehan says acupuncture, radiofrequency ablation and medical marijuana are other viable options to achieve less pain and better functioning.
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