The Spine Health Foundation estimates that 80% of Americans will face back or neck pain in their lifetime. As a result, approximately 264 million U.S. workdays are lost annually due to back pain. As a nurse navigator, I help hundreds of people each year who are seeking treatment for chronic back and neck pain. Finding the right treatment approach takes time, but it can help you get back to doing the activities you love.
Q: When should I see a doctor about back pain?
Back pain is normal as you age, especially after strenuous activities. But if your pain lasts a long time and isn’t responding to over-the-counter medications, you should see a spine specialist.
Red flag symptoms of spine issues that shouldn’t be ignored include worsening back pain, numbness or tingling down one or both legs, loss of bowel or bladder function and foot drop (when your foot drags across the ground and can’t be lifted with purpose).
Q: What kinds of treatment options are available for spine issues?
Nonsurgical treatments are always our first option for addressing back pain. Physical therapy or home exercises are usually prescribed. In addition, your provider might recommend over the counter and prescription medications or injection therapies.
If these treatments are not effective, you may be referred to a spine surgeon after receiving additional, advanced imaging. After reviewing your imaging and care history, the surgeon will discuss what surgical options they recommend.
Q: Can I seek a second opinion if my doctor recommends spine surgery?
Spine surgery is a major decision that carries both possible risks and benefits. Your surgeon and your care team want you to feel confident in your decision to proceed. For those reasons, getting a second opinion with a different spine surgeon can be valuable.
Sometimes a surgeon will agree with the approach recommended by your first doctor, but they may propose a different treatment plan or surgery. It’s important to talk openly with your care teams and providers about the benefits and risks of both recommendations to make the best possible decision for yourself.
Q: What can I do to keep my back healthy as I age?
Just as other bones and joints in your body experience wear and tear over time, your spine naturally deteriorates as you get older. To keep your back healthy as you age, there are several proactive steps you can take.
· Engage in weight-bearing exercises to help maintain bone strength and overall health.
· Incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine.
· Take regular walks, which are gentle on your back and beneficial for overall mobility.
· Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, as these nutrients are essential for bone health.
Through the Midstate Medical Moment, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center wants to raise awareness about the health conditions affecting people living in the communities we serve. For more information about UPMC services in Central Pennsylvania, readers may visit UPMC.com/centralpa.
