SigMT

102 | SignatureMT To Your Health Text by Dr. Benny Brandvold, Benefis Neurosurgeon and Director of Neurotrauma, and Dr. Paul Miller, Benefis Orthopedic Spine Surgeon M ost Americans will experience an episode of significant back pain over the course of their lives. e good news is: most back problems get beer on their own – approximately 90 percent of patients with lower back problems recover within six weeks, including those with disk herniations. Your Back Pain MT S If you suffer a back injury, treat your injury with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, if you begin developing tingling, numbness, or pain radiating down one or both legs, or if you have pain and numbness in your legs when you walk, you should consider seeing your physician or visiting an urgent care facility. If you develop a fever, chills, or have urinary or bowel incon- tinence, you should seek medical care imme- diately. If your physician feels you can benefit from specialty care for your back injury, he or she will refer you to the appropriate specialist. e treatment of back injuries is complex and is best provided by a multi- disciplinary team. is team can include specialties such as Primary Care, Rehabilita- tion Medicine, Neuroradiology, Primary and Interventional Pain Management, Neuro- surgery, and Orthopedics, as well as Physical and Occupational erapy, all of which are available at Benefis. As we mentioned earlier, most back in- juries will heal themselves, however, if that is not the case, our philosophy is always to treat injuries with the most minimally invasive approach necessary with the goal of reducing pain and restoring movement. Before we can begin treatment, how- ever, back injuries oen require some form of diagnostic imaging, whether it is an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Do not be alarmed as your doctor reviews the imaging with you—many times the report sounds worse than what it is. As we age, the spine develops degen- erative changes that can be seen and described on x-rays or MRIs, but don't necessarily mean you will need surgery for your symptoms to improve. Following diagnostics, the doctor will evaluate the injury and work with you to develop a personal care plan for your recovery. For less severe injuries, these treatments can include physical or occupational therapy and medication to help manage your pain. Where- as more severe injuries may require steroid or anesthetic injections directly into the back, a referral to a pain management specialist, or as a last resort, you may need surgery. ere are many types of spine surgery, and your surgeon will work through the options with you. e type of surgery will depend on what is determined to be causing your pain, as well as your age and recovery goals. e treatment of spine injuries is continually evolving with many advance- ments taking place in both conservative and surgical care. Whatever the degree of treatment need- ed for your spine injury, you can rest assured that you are in good hands at Benefis. Our spinal surgeons have over 100 years of com- bined experience treating spinal pathology, and we will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your personal needs. For more information about treatments available for your back pain, call the Benefis Spine Center at (406) 731-8370. Beating ~ Dr. Benny Brandvold is a Benefis Neurosurgeon with over 25 years of experience. Outside of work, he enjoys refereeing soccer, and collecting political campaign memorabilia. ~ Dr. Paul Miller is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Benefis. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, golfing, and restoring muscle cars.

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