I've heard of several incidences recently whereby a patient was given either injections or medication for their pain. I assume most folks are looking for a "quick fix" to their physical ailments, which is understandable. And we know that modern medicine and the pharmacological industry are all too ready to accommodate them. However, this might not be the best long-term approach to treatment.
Take a look at this article from the New York Times Magazine:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/18/looking-for-alternatives-for-back-pain-relief/?smid=pl-share
I am not saying that all medicine should be shunned when it comes to pain. I AM saying that you should not just accept that as the first and only solution without question. The alarming thing to me is when I hear that people are receiving medicinal treatments without having been properly evaluated first! At the end of the day, neither imaging (x-rays and MRIs) nor medicine should trump a good old-fashioned subjective and objective evaluation.
So, if you are planning on seeing your doctor for a consultation, be sure that he or she thoroughly reviews your history, habits, subjective complaints, etc. Then, be sure that you are assessed by a comprehensive physical examination that involves movements (active and passive), palpation (hands-on), and even functional tasks. This is a time-honored standard that should not take a back seat to the fancy "bells and whistles" that modern medicine has to offer.
Health care is not cheap. Neither is your time and effort to make an appointment and be seen. Make sure you are getting what you deserve. Be informed and be your own strongest advocate.
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