What Disorders Do Physiatrists Treat?

Can I Benefit From Seeing a Physiatrist?

Dealing with a chronic pain condition can be exhausting and limiting for many patients. The good news is that a wide range of treatments and medical professionals exist to help get to the root of your issue and treat your pain — including physiatrists.

What is a Physiatrist?

Physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation and treat a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain disorders.

Physiatrists treat many different types of degenerative chronic pain disorders, from chronic neck and back pain to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post-stroke syndromes. Some of the most common include:

• Fibromyalgia: is a type of chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue, sleep disturbances, and memory problems.
• Herniated/bulging discs: occur when rubbery discs that act as cushions between the bones of your spine bulge or rupture.
• Spinal stenosis: is a condition caused by the spinal canal narrowing.
• Degenerative disc disease: is a type of wear-and-tear on your discs that happens with aging.
• Facet joint arthritis: is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the small joints that connect one vertebra to another in your spine.
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction: is caused by inflammation or injury to the SI joint, which connects the pelvis and spine.

Treatment Options

Physiatrists use a variety of treatments to help manage the symptoms of these chronic pain conditions. These can include physical therapy and exercise programs, electrical stimulation techniques such as trigger point injections or nerve blocks, and surgical procedures such as spinal fusion or joint replacement.

Seek Relief for Your Pain at Fox Valley Orthopedics

Overall, physiatrists are experts in treating chronic pain disorders and work closely with their patients to develop comprehensive treatment plans that help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are living with a chronic pain condition, it is essential to seek the guidance of a physiatrist to help you find ways to cope with your situation and improve your quality of life.

If you have been dealing with aches and pains, don’t put off getting help another day. Call (630) 584-1400 today to schedule your appointment with our experienced team at Fox Valley Orthopedics.