Back pain is a common ailment that affects many people. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strains, joint injuries, and degenerative disorders.
If you have back pain, it's important to see your GP as soon as possible. Here are four ways that your doctor can help with your back pain:
1. Your GP Will Assess The Cause Of Your Pain
Your doctor will ask about your current pain and what's triggering it, how long it lasts, and how often it occurs. Your doctor will also ask about any other symptoms you're experiencing — like tingling, numbness, or weakness — which can give them an idea of where the problem is located in your body. If you've been diagnosed with back pain before, they'll want to know if it's improved or worsened since then, as well as information about any previous treatment options that haven't worked. This allows them to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan that's tailored specifically for you.
2. Your GP Will Examine Your Spine And Nervous System
A thorough physical examination of the spine is one of the most important aspects of diagnosing back pain since this allows them to check for signs of damage or injury that might indicate an underlying cause for your discomfort. During this part of their assessment process, your doctor will also look at other parts of your body — like your neck — that may be contributing to the issue.
3. Your GP May Order Imaging Tests
If you don't have any obvious signs of injury, your GP may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out any underlying conditions that could cause pain in the lower back region. For example, if you're experiencing numbness or tingling sensations down one leg, this could indicate a problem with your spinal cord, so it would be wise to get these checked out by a professional before you start panicking about what's wrong with you.
4. Your GP May Prescribe Medication For Back Pain
Your GP may suggest or prescribe over-the-counter painkillers for mild back pain. However, if you have more severe or persistent back pain, they might prescribe stronger medication such as codeine or tramadol. These are usually available from pharmacies if you have a prescription. If you take these drugs, make sure you read the instructions carefully and don't exceed the recommended dosage.
The first place to go for back pain is your GP. Your doctor will be able to assess whether your pain is coming from your spine and if there are any other symptoms along with it. Chat with your local doctor or GP for more information about back pain treatment.
Share30 June 2022
Hello! My name is Eileen. I would like to introduce you to the topic of primary care. Primary care is often the first contact you will have with the health service when you do not feel well. This could be with your local GP or in your local emergency care centre. Because people do not understand what primary care is, they will often not seek the help they need. When I became unwell last year, I visited my GP and then was sent to the hospital. During this time, I developed a good understanding of primary care. I hope my blog helps you.
