If you have an injury or a chronic condition of the joints, bones, muscles, or tendons, an orthopedist may be able to help. Getting a referral from your primary care doctor or researching online can help you find the right orthopedic specialist.
During the first evaluation, an orthopedist reviews your medical history and performs a physical examination. They might also recommend a variety of nonsurgical treatments, including pain medications, heat or cold therapy, and physical rehabilitation.척추관절병원
Back pain
With 206 bones and approximately 650 muscles, the back supports posture, permits movement, protects vital organs and circulates blood. Pain, injury or dysfunction in any of the parts of this complex system can affect all aspects of one’s life.하남재활의학과
Treatment for back pain varies by person and condition. A physician can recommend heat and ice, over-the-counter medications, stretching exercises or physical therapy. In severe or chronic cases, a back brace or steroid injections may be prescribed. Surgery is sometimes necessary, although it’s not used unless the problem is serious or hasn’t responded to other treatments.
In general, it’s best to stay active. Avoiding bed rest will keep the muscles in your back and torso strong, which will support your spine and help relieve back pain. When you do sit or stand for long periods of time, consider a chair with lower back support and armrests and make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart. Also, when lifting something heavy, bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than using your back.
Carpal tunnel
The median nerve and tendons that allow your fingers to bend pass through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. If the tunnel becomes tight or swollen, the median nerve can become constricted. This can cause numbness, tingling and pain in your thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of your ring finger. These symptoms usually begin slowly and get worse over time. They may affect your sleep, work, and everyday activities.
Nonsurgical treatment can include wearing a wrist brace or splint to keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve. Some people also benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections into the carpal tunnel.
Your doctor can recommend exercises to help you strengthen your wrist and hand, which might relieve your symptoms. Changing your activities that put your wrist in awkward positions, such as driving, strong pinching or gripping, can help. It’s best to seek treatment early before your condition gets worse.
Osteoporosis
The bones in the body constantly break down and form new bone tissue to maintain strength. But if you have osteoporosis, the process breaks down faster than it builds up. Over time, this weakens the bones and increases your risk of fractures.
Bones in the hip, wrist and spine are most susceptible to break in people with osteoporosis. These fractures often cause a hunched posture and back pain. They can also make you shorten in height. Over time, broken bones in the spine can lead to a curved back known as kyphosis.
There are medicines that slow down bone loss and help strengthen bones. Your healthcare provider can give you a prescription for these medicines, which are sometimes called calcium channel blockers or denosumab. These medicines are generally safe and effective, but they may have side effects. Some medications can interfere with your bowel movements. Before taking these drugs, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and other health problems.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain, weakness or tingling that comes from the sciatic nerve, which runs down your lower back, buttocks, thigh and lower leg. This is the largest and strongest nerve in your body. It controls muscles in the back of your knee and lower leg and provides feeling to the back of your calf and foot. Sciatica can affect one or both legs.
Most of the time, symptoms go away in a few weeks with conservative (nonsurgical) treatment. This includes ice packs, heat therapy and exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. You may also need pain relievers, muscle relaxants or steroid injections.
Sciatica can be caused by herniated disks in your lumbar spine (lower back), degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or stenosis. This happens when the jelly-like cushioning between your vertebrae wears out and one of your spinal disks protrudes through the hard outer ring and presses on a nerve. Other less common causes of sciatica include bone spurs and cysts that grow near a nerve.