MD (Medical Doctor) Prescribed Treatments for Spinal Conditions

MD (medical doctor) care is often recommended when neck and back pain persists longer than a few days or weeks. Persistent pain can be the symptom of a number of spinal conditions and should not be ignored. An MD can prescribe several treatment options for these conditions, allowing many patients to regain their quality of life with the peace of mind that comes from consulting a trained and licensed expert.

Visiting an MD for Back Pain

During a visit with an MD, a patient’s medical history will often be reviewed and a physical examination is typically performed. If necessary, a doctor may order diagnostic tests such as an MRI, CT scan or X-ray in order to determine the cause of a patient’s neck or back pain. These tests can reveal if a patient is suffering from a spinal condition such as spondylitis, a bulging or herniated disc or osteoarthritis.

MD Prescribed Treatments

Once a spinal condition has been diagnosed, a doctor will typically prescribe one or more conservative treatment methods for reducing pain and other symptoms. These treatment methods may include:

• Hot and/or cold therapy
• Physical therapy
• Pain medications (either over-the-counter or prescription)
• Bed rest
• Weight loss
• Moderate exercise

Some patients may also seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Though many alternative treatments have been the subject of controversy over the years, a number of patients credit them with relieving neck and back pain.

If the above conservative treatments fail to provide a patient with relief from back pain, an MD may recommend open back surgery. Before committing to the risks and long recovery times associated with these surgeries, consider the endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute. Many patients recover from these safe and effective outpatient procedures in as little as one week. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.