What kind of Dr. would one go to see for sever lower back pain if you dont have a family Dr? I know that most specialist require referalls before seeing you. What about pain Drs?
2007-03-08 06:44:54 · 13 answers · asked by Thomas K 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
You should be able to see a Chiropractor without a referral, depending on your insurance company. Check out one of those Family Practioners for urgent care. Hope you feel better soon.
2007-03-08 06:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by Queen Bee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could find a local doctor who can refer to you a specialist. If you do not know that the underlying problem is that is causing the sever pain I would steer clear of chiropractors as they can make things much worse for you, rather consult with a physiotherapist as they can give relief, but also give you a series of exercises which will strengthen your core muscles.
Any doctor can refer you to a specialist, which would be either a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeron in this case. Most likely they will order a CT scan or MRI to see what the underlying problem is before they refer you onto a specialist. The doctor would also be able to recommend a pain specialist also if this is a route you would like to take.
I would suggest you find a doctor in your area (as a friend or colleague to recommend one) and find out what is causing the pain before you decide on any action to take.
Good luck, hope this helps...
2007-03-08 23:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chiropractor to make sure everything is aligned properly - Massage therapist to help relax the muscles.
Much pain is from muscles below is an example of what may help (based on headaches).
Begin with a couple swigs of molasses or a couple of bananas (natural muscle relaxers) daily - magnesium (which regulates many things in the body) and potassium (a needed building block for muscles).
Drink at least 1/2 gallons of water per day. Running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil is the analogy the head of neurology at UCDavis told my husband about 10 years ago.
Now to the cause - muscles - your back, neck shoulders and head have tender spots. They are knots in the fibers of the muscles called trigger points. It makes the muscles tight which makes them press on nerves and other things causing the pain.
The cure - start with a professional massage, (if this does not do it you probably need a chiropractor as well) you will also want to go back over any place you can get to 6-12 times per session up to 6 times per day rubbing (or lightly scratching on your head) every where that is tender until the knots go away. The place where the skull connects to the spine press up under the edge of the skull (to get to those muscles).
For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It teaches what to do and where the pain comes from.
2007-03-08 15:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by Keko 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've seen both a regular doctor and one specializing in pain management. Check out your regular doctor first and he (or she) can refer you to another. Also get a list of exercises that will increase the muscles around you back to offer more support. Try to stay away from pain pills. Although they may be necessary from time to time, they are, of course, addicting. The exercises are the way to go...for me anyway. Good luck and I hope this helps. Rick PS...Funny, all the MDs that have checked me out...not a single one ever recommended a chiropractor.
2007-03-08 06:54:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your insurance, you don't always need a referral. If you are paying cash, you can see anyone. If you have PPO insurance you can see anyone too.
I would recommend an orthapedic doc. I had severe back pain and they gave me good exercises, took an xray and an MRI. Found degeneration in my disks. Have to drink lots of milk and just suffer. I do exercises too to help with pain.
2007-03-08 06:48:43 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chiropractors are specialists at back and whatever pain. I went to one, it felt great but was pricy!
Maybe you can get a deal if you go in twice a week or something. Hope that helps.
2007-03-08 06:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by madina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Severing the spinal cord would be a very poor choice for relieving significant back pain. There are many better approaches to pain management.
2007-03-08 06:47:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a TENS unit for my back pain and it changed my life, after going to my regular doctor. A general practitioner can take x-rays and determine if you need a specialist.
2007-03-08 06:47:38 · answer #8 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neurologists, Orthopaedic surgeons and pain clinics. You may want to try a Chiropractor with a good reputation or massage therapists.
2007-03-08 06:48:52 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to a chiropractor because they usually do not need any type of referall.
2007-03-08 06:47:44 · answer #10 · answered by In love 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋