In the most recent issue of Family Circle, interventional spine specialist Anand B. Joshi, MD, MHA, talks about “How to Defeat Back Pain.”

Excerpt:
Myth: You should only see an orthopedic surgeon. Most people won’t need surgery. In other words, consulting an orthopedic surgeon is often unnecessary. “See your family physician first,” says Anand B. Joshi, MD, MHA, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center. He or she is your first line of defense and can refer you to a specialist. When deciding on next steps, consider your level of pain. Chiropractors , for example, are great for those suffering from severe discomfort because they work on your body for you, whereas physical therapists design a program of stretches, strength training and other treatments you perform yourself.

Read the full article here.