Is Arthritis the Primary Cause of My Back Pain?

Back pain can happen to everyone, regardless of age, health conditions and athletic activity. Although arthritis can certainly cause or contribute to back pain, so can car accidents, sports injuries and other incidents. The only way to find out the true source of your back pain is to consult a medical professional. Depending on your condition, there may be a number of therapies available, including PRP treatment in Naples, FL.

Arthritis and back pain

Arthritis can affect the back when you go through muscle inflammation or cartilage breakdown. Usually, the lower back is affected, but arthritis can attack any part of the spine. The stiffness, swelling and pain associated with arthritis often affect the bones, joints and muscles. This can be an excruciating and degenerative condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as lumbar disc degeneration, which commonly causes lower back and leg pain. Chronic lower back pain is usually the first indication that you have this degenerative disease. The back pain may come and go, but it will often present after long periods of sitting, standing or physical activity. The older you get, the more often the episodes will happen—they may also last longer and involve more intense pain. This can make it very difficult to live with osteoarthritis, and many people aren’t good candidates for surgery. This is why many older patients look for alternative treatments to improve their quality of life.

Could PRP therapy be right for your back pain?

Since arthritis is so painful, many patients find it difficult to engage in everyday activities like move, walk and even sleep. One of the most effective treatments for arthritis is PRP therapy, or platelet-rich plasma therapy. This treatment uses your blood’s natural healing mechanisms to help reduce pain and heal problem areas. The patient’s blood is drawn and concentrated via centrifuge so it’s as rich in platelets as possible.

Then the plasma is injected directly into or around the joints and muscles, which should decrease cartilage damage, improve joint function and reduce the pain that comes with osteoarthritis. Since the plasma comes directly from your own body, there’s no risk of complications or rejection. As long as you’re working with a skilled and licensed professional, this is a safe and relatively easy way to address your symptoms. The injections are minimally invasive, and most patients report very little, if any pain.

PRP therapy can vary in effectiveness, but most patients report a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in their overall quality of life. Other treatments, like VAX-D spinal decompression, may be used instead of or in addition to PRP therapy.

If you’re interested in exploring PRP treatment in Naples, FL, reach out to the experts at Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute today. Our experienced team will be happy to discuss the process, side effects and cost of treatment with you so you can make the right decision for your needs. Let us help you find a safe solution to your back pain when you call today to schedule your appointment!

What Conditions Can a Neurologist Treat?

If you’ve been referred to a neurologist in Bonita Springs, FL, or are considering seeking a diagnosis, you probably have an issue with your nervous system. Neurologists treat brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve and muscle disorders. There are over 600 neurological conditions currently recognized, including strokes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Getting help from a neurologist can help cut down on the chronic pain that often accompanies neurological disorders, and can help you improve your overall quality of life. Here’s what to expect when you visit a neurologist.

Conditions a neurologist can diagnose and treat

Neurologists treat conditions related to the nervous system, whether they involve your brain and spinal cord or your peripheral nerves and muscles. Some of the most common conditions we treat at Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute include peripheral neuropathy, back pain, Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain and spinal injury, balance problems, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, and pinched nerves.

Preliminary examination and diagnosis

Before you can receive treatment, your chiropractic neurologist will perform a thorough examination. This will determine where the neurological disorder comes from and which disorder(s) you may have. This includes non-invasive, pain-free tests of your reflexes, strength, ability to feel touch, temperature, or vibration, coordination and balance.

Once the preliminary examination is finished, your neurologist will likely know which conditions you have. Then they can help outline a plan for treatment.

Peripheral neuropathy treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is a common disorder that can result in weakness, limited muscle movement, numbness and pain. This is due to damage in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

If you’re diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, your neurologist may recommend low-level infrared light therapy, electrical therapies, vibration therapies, or regenerative medicine including stem cell allografts, PRP, or ozone therapy. This treatment helps improve circulation and allows the damaged nerve endings to heal on their own. Your neurologist may also recommend treatments to improve balance, circulation, nerve function and the brain-body connection.

What to expect from treatment

Generally, patients who undergo neurology treatment may experience a reduction in pain, increased balance and coordination and better range of movement. They may also notice reduction in swelling, inflammation, spasms, cramps, numbness and tingling. Many patients are also able to reduce their dependence on pain medications.

General cost

Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute is happy to work with your insurance. Costs vary depending on which diagnosis you receive, how long the treatment will last and what kind of treatment you receive. Your insurance company may cover all, part or none of the cost of treatment. However, many patients with peripheral neuropathy start to feel a difference in as little as two weeks.

To find out more about treatments, diagnoses and cost, call Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute today. Let an experienced chiropractor neurologist in Naples, FL help you take control of your disorder and get you the relief you need!