Oftentimes, people who suffer from back pain aren’t sure who or what to turn to for back pain relief. There are typically four options to choose from:
- At-home treatments
- Primary care physicians
- Urgent care/Emergency care
- Back pain specialists
What’s the right option for you? They all have their benefits, but some are more effective than others.
Be Wary of DIY Treatments
Memes, TikTok, Instagram, oh my. The internet is full of people that claim they have the secret to back pain relief. However, it can be difficult to determine the source of these tips, and what kind of training or expertise they have. If the writer is not a medically trained professional, then these tips are likely inaccurate and might even exacerbate your back pain or cause other unpleasant symptoms.
Consider Specificity
For many back pain sufferers, their first instinct is to call a primary care physician; which can be a good first step because they can provide temporary pain relief for acute symptoms, which is usually some type of oral medication. After a thorough consultation, they typically refer you to a back pain specialist who will help you achieve long-term chronic pain management.
So, why not go directly to the Specialist, without a referral? If you have been experiencing chronic back pain or were previously diagnosed and are ready for a second opinion, the team at iSpine Clinics is here to help you with an initial consultation. We have specialists at clinics across the Twin Cities and can see you within a few days for an appointment.
The Verdict: Consult a Specialist
Female Patient Being Reassured By Pain Specialist
Unlike your primary care physician (PCP), specialists focus on one area of study. Not only will they be able to diagnose the source of your back pain accurately, but they’ll also be able to prescribe treatments that last longer than the DIY treatments you may find online, or provide alternatives to the pain medication you have been prescribed by your PCP. iSpine Clinics, in particular, offer a suite of minimally invasive procedures designed to support the pain management process.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what is best for your health. Call iSpine Clinics at (763) 201-8191 to schedule a consultation.
Previously posted October 2016, updated September 2022