Comprehensive approach to treatment by a physiatrist
Goals of physiatry treatment
Physiatrists strive to treat the whole patient –
not just the specific injury or condition –which
improves overall recovery and prevents recurrence. The
goal of treatment is always to restore normal function
and improve quality of life for patients from a physical,
emotional, psychosocial and vocational perspective.
Back problems treated by physiatrists
Physiatrists treat a wide range of problems that affect
the musculoskeletal system (the muscles and the bones).
The following is a list of some of the back conditions related
to back pain commonly treated by physiatrists:
Physiatrists diagnose back injury and back problems
Physiatrists diagnose injuries and problems of the
musculoskeletal system by taking a thorough medical
history of the patient and performing a complete physical
exam. Further diagnostic testing may include laboratory
testing, x-rays, MRI scans, electromyography and nerve
conduction studies, as well as psychological testing.
Treatments offered by a physiatrist
The treatment offered for pain and injury is an aggressive
approach that may include:
-
Medications
-
Active physical therapy (exercise), occupational therapy, recreational
therapy
-
Passive physical therapy (modalites)
-
Health psychology
-
Massage therapy
-
Assistive devices
-
Back braces
Injections performed by a physiatrist
Some physiatrists also perform injections of ligaments,
muscles, bursae, joints, and specialized injections
such as epidural injections or facet joint block injection.
Eletromyography and nerve conduction studies and procedures
may also be performed to diagnose injuries or diseases
of nerves and muscles.
By: Rick
Staehler, MD
December 15, 1999
|
|
