A Path to Pain Relief: Dr. Phinit Phisitkul’s Approach to Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, interfering with daily activities and diminishing quality of life. Whether it’s the result of aging, injury, or lifestyle factors, the pain can often feel relentless. However, Dr. Phinit Phisitkul Dakota Dunes, SD, a leading expert in orthopedic surgery and spinal care, offers a path to relief through a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. His methodology combines the latest medical advancements, physical therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, empowering patients to regain control over their pain and lead active, fulfilling lives.

Step 1: Accurate Diagnosis for Targeted Treatment

The first step in Dr. Phisitkul’s approach is thorough diagnosis. Understanding the root cause of chronic back pain is critical for determining the most effective treatment plan. Dr. Phisitkul uses a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans to pinpoint the exact cause of pain. Whether the issue is related to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or muscle strain, a precise diagnosis is essential to tailor the right solution. “Pain relief starts with understanding what’s happening inside the body,” says Dr. Phisitkul, emphasizing the importance of personalized care.

Step 2: Conservative Treatment Options

Once the cause of the pain is identified, Dr. Phisitkul typically begins with conservative treatment methods, which are non-invasive and designed to alleviate pain while improving functionality. These treatments are often the most effective for managing chronic back pain without the need for surgery.

•             Physical Therapy: Dr. Phisitkul believes that physical therapy is the cornerstone of back pain management. Strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and correcting posture are key components of therapy. Dr. Phinit Phisitkul Dakota Dunes, SD works closely with physical therapists to design a personalized exercise program that focuses on stabilizing the back and promoting healing.

•             Pain Management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. Dr. Phisitkul also recommends alternative pain relief methods, such as heat and cold therapy, which can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce inflammation. These treatments can be performed at home in conjunction with physical therapy to enhance healing.

•             Lifestyle Modifications: Dr. Phisitkul places great emphasis on lifestyle changes to manage chronic back pain. Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing proper posture, and using ergonomic furniture can significantly reduce strain on the spine. Additionally, regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling can help keep the back muscles strong and flexible.

Step 3: Advanced Pain Management Techniques

For patients whose pain does not improve with conservative treatments, Dr. Phisitkul offers advanced pain management techniques. These methods target the pain more directly and can provide significant relief.

•             Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medications directly to the site of the pain. By reducing inflammation around the nerves, epidural steroid injections can provide relief for several weeks or months.

•             Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): In cases where nerve pain persists, RFA can be used to disrupt the pain signals by using heat to target specific nerve tissues. This minimally invasive procedure offers relief from chronic pain for many patients.

•             Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing and repair damaged tissues. This technique can be particularly effective for conditions such as ligament injuries or tendonitis, common sources of back pain.

Step 4: Surgical Interventions

While Dr. Phisitkul strives to avoid surgery whenever possible, certain cases of chronic back pain may require surgical intervention. When non-surgical methods fail to provide adequate relief and pain becomes debilitating, surgery may be the best option.

•             Spinal Fusion: In cases of severe spinal instability, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary to join two or more vertebrae together, eliminating painful movement and providing long-term stability to the spine.

•             Discectomy: If a herniated disc is causing nerve compression, a discectomy may be performed to remove part or all of the disc, relieving pressure on the nerves and reducing pain.

Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance and Prevention

Dr. Phinit Phisitkul Dakota Dunes, SD believes that managing chronic back pain is a lifelong process. Once pain is under control, ongoing maintenance and preventative measures are crucial to prevent recurrence. This includes continuing physical therapy exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture. Patients are also encouraged to adopt stress-management techniques, as emotional stress can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate pain.