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Back and neck pain can be debilitating in your personal and professional life. Acute injuries, like those that come with a sports or car accident, and chronic pain that develops over many years, can both create spine problems, and those problems can lead to pain that ranges from uncomfortable to unbearable. If dealing with that pain seems overwhelming and never-ending, know that there are options available for you. Professionals who specialize in spine and neck pain management in Edina, MN, can help guide you through the process, getting to the root of the problem while helping you keep your pain levels under control. Why Pain? When something goes wrong with the body, there are systems in place to protect it. One of these systems causes you to feel pain when things aren’t as they should be. For example, pain receptors and your nervous system relay the sensation of pain to your brain when your spine is out of alignment, when the soft tissues in your shoulders and neck are damaged, when certain areas are compressed or pinched, or when other forms of damage or injury occur. This is intended as a way to notify you of the problem and prevent you from doing things that would make the problem worse. Think of it as a defense mechanism that your body uses to protect itself from careless damage. The fact that you feel neck and back pain means that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed in addition to the pain, which is merely a symptom. This is why prescription medications and over the counter pills are not good long-term solutions, and why more personalized pain management options should be explored. Common Problems The kinds of problems that can affect your neck and back are many and varied, so it can be difficult to self-diagnose. A medical professional can help you get to the root of the problem. Sciatica, herniated disks, and joint pain are common culprits. Traumas like car accidents, work-related injuries, compression fractures, and pain after surgery can also be debilitating. More long-term problems like osteoporosis, arthritis, degenerative disk disease, and spondylolisthesis are also common. Other treatable problems include low back pain, frequent headaches, phantom limb pain, and other joint pain. Part One: Pain Management Dealing with these kinds of spine problems effectively requires a twofold approach. Part one is pain management. You will have a hard time making any progress or improvement if you are in constant pain. Everyone experiences pain differently, so it makes sense that everyone’s pain management plan should be different. Exploring your options and choosing an approach that works for your pain levels, your lifestyle, and your preferences is ideal. Stress reduction techniques, self-care, sparing use of pain medications or NSAIDs, relaxation techniques, heat and cold therapy, myofascial release (from foam rolling, trigger point, massage, or other options), visual imagery, and many other options are available and can be done with the help of a professional or on your own. Part Two: Treatment Options Part two of the approach to dealing with neck and back pain is treating the actual problem. You can manage your pain well, but you will have to continue to deal with that pain until the underlying problem gets addressed. Joint and nerve injections, physical therapy, spinal manipulation and adjustments, electric stimulation, nerve blocks, strengthening exercises, stretching techniques, spinal cord stimulation, and various other treatments are available through specialists who deal with neck pain management in Edina, MN. Setting up a consultation, discussing and assessing your situation, and exploring your options can open doors to treating and managing your pain effectively.
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