Private back pain treatment in Carmarthen

Back pain is a common concern that can affect day-to-day living, whether caused by poor posture, injury or a spinal condition.

Senior-man-sat-down-holding-his-hand-on-his-painful-lower-back

What is back pain?

Back pain is common. Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives. It is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or take time off work.

We get aches and twinges in our backs for a number of reasons, with the painful feeling ranging from mild to severe. Typically, back pain is temporary. However, long-term back pain is also common. Globally, around 23% of adults experience chronic back pain.

Back pain can vary in where it is felt, its severity, and the type of pain you may experience (for example, aching, burning, or shooting pain). Some back issues can also cause pain in other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms.

Along with the pain, you may also experience:

Trouble sitting or standing
Difficulty putting weight on one or both legs
Pain when moving in certain ways but not others
Issues with sleeping

How much does back pain treatment cost in Carmarthen?

The cost of back pain treatment will depend on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment, your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered. If you would like a quote based on your symptoms, give us a call directly. Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a period that suits you.

Treatment for back pain will often be covered by private health insurance policies. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.

What are the causes of back pain?

Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, usually originating from the upper or lower part in the back. Common conditions or factors that can cause back pain include:

Poor posture
Injury, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and breaks
Bulging or ruptured spinal disk
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Diseases, such as infections, spinal tumours and other cancers
Structural issues, such as spinal stenosis or lumbar scoliosis

Conditions originating from other parts of the body (such as kidney stones, an abdominal aortic aneurysm or fibromyalgia) can also cause back pain.

If you were assigned female at birth, certain fertility and pregnancy factors can cause pain in your back. This includes menopause, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, pressure from the baby and or hormonal changes during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and labour.

Treatments for back pain

Everybody responds to treatment differently, that’s why it is important that you work together with your specialist to create a treatment plan suited to you and your unique needs. Treatments for back pain include the following:

Medications

Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be used for mild back pain. You may also be prescribed medication to help relieve pain, or in certain circumstances you may be prescribed muscle relaxers to relieve back spasms.

Injections

Steroid injections applied to the affected area of the back may be recommended, particularly if you experience chronic back pain.

Hot or cold therapy

Using a hot or cold pack on the affected area can help alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness. You should seek medical advice before trying this, as these seemingly innocuous methods can actually cause injury.

Physiotherapy

Working with an expert physiotherapist can help strengthen and relax muscles, improve flexibility, and encourage stretching areas that are locked or stiff through tailored exercises. Physiotherapy can also help with posture and avoid further injury to your back.

Clinical Pilates exercises may be recommended to help strengthen and align your back’s muscles.

Surgery

If your back pain is severe, does not improve, or is causing further complications, you may be recommended for surgery.

Surgical options for back pain include:

Radiofrequency ablation
Facet joint denervation
Implanted spinal cord stimulator
Discectomy
Artificial disk replacement
Laminectomy
Spinal fusion

Alternative therapies

Sometimes, alternative treatment methods can help compliment other treatments to provide relief for back pain.

These can include:

Massage
Acupuncture
Chiropractic movement
Relaxation techniques
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Speak to a medical specialist before going through with any alternative or complementary treatment. They can help advise on whether the treatment would be right for you considering your unique health needs.

When to seek help from a doctor about back pain

If you are experiencing back pain and are worried about your condition, seek medical assistance for further investigation and advice on what to do going forward.

You should go to the doctor if your back pain:

Does not improve with rest
Happens due to an injury or fall
Is coupled with tingling or ‘pins and needles’

You should also seek medical attention if your back pain is coupled with the following symptoms:

Fever
Incontinence
Difficulty urinating or passing bowel movements
Feeling weak
Numbness
Unexplained weight loss
A lump or swelling in the back

What to expect from your initial consultation with a back pain specialist

During your initial consultation, you will have the space to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and family history with one of our expert consultants. They will also assess how significantly back pain impacts your quality of life - for example your mood, sleep and relationships.

Once your consultant knows more about you and your symptoms, they may also perform a non-invasive physical examination of your back to assess any unusual signs or identify any lumps or bumps. And they may want to see you walk, bend and twist in order to assess your gait and flexibility.

After this initial assessment, if you need any further diagnostic testing, they can refer you. Once they have enough to make a diagnosis, they’ll talk you through the available treatment options including their recommended course of action.

Private upper and lower back pain treatment in Carmarthen

Werndale Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, provides excellent private healthcare treatment across a wide range of specialties to patients across the regions of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

At Werndale Hospital, it is always our goal to provide cutting edge treatment within a safe, comfortable environment so that our patients get the best quality of care they deserve.

We work with a wide network of industry-leading consultants experienced in managing back pain and other concerns from the Carmarthen area and beyond. Our highly esteemed team provide caring, professional, and compassionate support throughout your health journey with us.

We also have a resident medical officer based at Werndale Hospital who is available 24 hours a day to ensure you are safe and always cared for.

All of our patient rooms offer you privacy with en-suite facilities, TVs, and a nurse call bell provided to ensure you are comfortable and have peace of mind.

How to book back pain treatment in Carmarthen

To book a consultation to discuss treatment with a back pain specialist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

Why choose Circle Health Group?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suits your needs
Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
Private ensuite rooms as standard, and delicious, healthy meals
Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about treatment for back pain, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.