Spine Care in New Orleans
What causes back pain?
You have dozens of vertebrae in your spine that protect your spinal column. Cushioning discs and cartilage protect each one, absorb impact, and help them glide smoothly. As sturdy as your spine may be, one wrong move can damage any of these components. Spinal pain can stem from:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Improper alignment
- Hairline fractures
- Development abnormalities
- Degenerative conditions, like arthritis
If you experience trauma to your spine, such as with whiplash after an accident, seeking immediate medical treatment is integral to preventing permanent damage.
Do spine injuries have symptoms?
If you have an injury or have a degenerative condition developing, you’re likely going to experience:
- Sudden back pain
- Severe headaches
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
That’s not an exhaustive list; those are merely a few of the warning signs that you need urgent medical treatment for a possible spine injury.
How are back injuries treated?
Your treatment plan for spine injuries and back pain depends on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. Part of your treatment at Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans could include:
- Pain-reducing or anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Cold laser therapy
- Manual adjustments
- Bracing
Most patients need several treatments to relieve pain and help their spine heal.
Can I prevent back injuries?
Your dedicated practitioner at Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans not only helps you recover from a pain-causing back issue, but they also teach you how to strengthen your back. This can further help prevent future problems.
You can’t avoid every type of issue that can damage your back, but you can take several measures to strengthen and care for your spine. Some of the best steps you can take include:
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise and walk regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Lift with your knees
- Stretch to prevent stiffness
- Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours)
If you’re an athlete, make sure that you have the proper protective equipment — like helmets or shoulder pads — and that it fits correctly.
Book your back and spine care evaluation at Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans by calling the office or using the online booking feature.
