Struggling with back pain? Intermountain Health shares top tips for spine health

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – October is Spine Health Awareness Month, which highlights the importance for people to have proper spinal wellbeing and health.

Most Americans will endure some form of back pain in their life. Spine, back, and neck problems are one of the most common health problems that people experience, with neck and back being some of the costliest.

“Everyone has a spine and at some point, nearly everyone will have neck or back pain,” said Jeremy Shaw, MD, an Intermountain Health spine surgeon who cares for patients at Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. “Wear and tear are normal and that changes are necks and spine as we age. A lot of people may be dealing with similar experiences surrounding pain in their neck or back. The good news is that we can help improve discomfort or mobility with treatments or even surgery.”

The more serious spinal conditions (spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, etc) are mostly referred to spine specialists for treatment. Some of these conditions are specifically referred to a spine surgeon when applicable for follow up care.

Because pain can disrupt everyday life, Dr. Shaw says the goal is to treat the problem effectively but in the most conservative way possible. This means less invasive procedures before recommending surgery will be suggested first.

“Our team will meet patients where they’re at in their pain journey. Whether this is done with physical therapy, through education, or utilizing medication or even surgery, if necessary,” he said.

Patients are often seen by another provider – generally their primary care physician before seeing a spine surgeon.

“If a patient is to see a spine surgeon, they can anticipate their initial visit to go over diagnostic studies (MRI, CAT Scan, x-ray) they received prior to their appointment so their condition and treatment plan can be explained,” said Dr. Shaw.

If these studies haven’t taken place yet, this is where these options would be discussed to further diagnose and get to the root of the concern, he noted.

Here are some tips for things that you can do to enhance your spine health:

• Don’t smoke. Smoking can damage discs in the spinal column over time.

• Exercise Regularly. This helps especially with core strength. Use proper lifting techniques if you’re lifting.

• Stretch and strengthen your back.

• Eat well to help reduce inflammation. Eat less foods that cause inflammation such as high sugar, processed, and refined foods.

• Follow your primary care physician’s recommendations for overall good health.

“At some point in their lives nearly all of us will experience some form of neck or back pain. We want people to know they aren’t left alone with these conditions,” said Dr. Shaw. “We are here to support you along your journey.”

For more information about spine care, go to https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/orthopedics/spinal-care

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