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:

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Acute muscle and ligament injuries

• Acute and chronic pain

• Work injuries

• Myofascial pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Spinal cord injury

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

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.

• Article written By:
• Rick Staehler, MD

December 15, 1999

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