Unfortunately, back pain is something that many individuals will deal with at some point. For some, it can be a little annoying, but for others, it can be a debilitating condition. If your back pain is disrupting your life and you want some relief, you can always consider reaching out to a professional rheumatologist. Below, this rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana is going to explain how a specialist can help you find relief for your back pain.
What can a rheumatologist do for you?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones — especially inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. They go through years of education and training to manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus, which can all cause back pain.
Rheumatologists specialize in providing long-term treatment plans for complex, chronic conditions. So, if your back pain does not go away and you have no idea why, a rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana could be the right person to see.
When should you see a rheumatologist for back pain?
Back pain can come from many different sources — and not all of them demand the attention of a rheumatologist. But there are some specific signs that your back pain might be caused by an inflammatory or autoimmune condition. If your back hurts along with inflammation, stiffness, or pain in other joints, you may want to think about reaching out to a rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana.
Inflammation is a common indicator. If you see redness, swelling, and stiffness in your joints that does not go away after a few days, you should visit your primary care doctor as soon as possible. They can then refer you to a rheumatologist if they suspect a rheumatic condition.
What causes inflammatory back pain?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are common causes of inflammatory back pain. RA usually starts in smaller joints but can spread to the spine and cause extreme pain. AS mostly affects the spine and can cause the bones to fuse together, so early diagnosis is very important.
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome, can also cause back pain. These conditions happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs, causing a lot of inflammation and pain.
Preparing for your rheumatologist appointment
If you want to make your visit to a rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana worthwhile, it’s best to do some prep work. Before leaving home, you’ll want to note down your back pain symptoms and include how frequent and painful they are. You will also need to collect any recent test results, a list of all your medications, and your full medical history — including any family history of autoimmune diseases. All this information will help your rheumatologist make the best diagnosis and create the best treatment plan for you.
On your visit, your rheumatologist will likely perform a detailed checkup and might order blood tests to check for inflammation. They could also use X-rays or MRIs to check any damage to your spine or other joints. Based on your symptoms, the rheumatologist might recommend medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to help you move better, and changes to your lifestyle to keep your symptoms under control.
Looking for an affordable rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana who can help you manage your back pain and improve your quality of life? If so, our rheumatologists at 219 Health Network are the people to call. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule an appointment and start managing your condition better.