Back Pain Treatment Specialist in San Francisco, CA
At Presidio Pain Relief, Dr. Robert Savala MD specializes in the management and treatment of back pain, employing advanced techniques to address both acute and chronic conditions. His approach combines medical interventions with personalized therapy plans to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. Dr. Savala's expertise ensures patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs, helping them return to pain-free living.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What causes back pain?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we understand that back pain is a widespread condition with an array of potential causes, ranging from minor strains to significant medical conditions. One of the most common causes we encounter is strains or injuries to the back muscles or ligaments, often a result of activities like heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements.
We deal with degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, common sources of back pain. These disorders can cause back discomfort, which is commonly accompanied by stiffness, edema, and a restricted range of motion. Our personalized treatment strategies are designed to ease these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Presidio Pain Relief, we also cater to patients suffering from diseases and infections such as spinal meningitis, osteomyelitis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and endometriosis, which can trigger back pain. We also treat patients with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and may increase the risk of spinal fractures.
Our experts understand that lifestyle factors such as poor posture, obesity, psychological stress, lack of exercise, smoking, and even wearing high heels can exacerbate back pain. We offer comprehensive care, including lifestyle advice and physical therapy, to help manage these factors and reduce the impact on your back health.
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
Back pain is a frequent issue that many patients grapple with. Presidio Pain Relief recognizes that it may often be treated at home with over-the-counter pain medicines and rest. However, there are several circumstances in which you should seek medical assistance for back discomfort at our clinic.
If your back pain is severe or does not improve after three days of home treatment, you should schedule an appointment with us. Persistent, intense pain could be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal fracture, or spinal instability. Back pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss could indicate an infection, tumor, or another serious condition, so it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Back pain causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, radiating down your legs, or worsening with walking or standing could indicate nerve damage or spinal stenosis. This can be serious, especially with accompanying difficulty walking. In such a case, seek immediate medical attention at our practice.
Remember that these are just general suggestions, and if you have any concerns about your back pain, you should get medical assistance at Presidio Pain Relief as soon as possible. Our healthcare experts are able to precisely identify the source of your discomfort and suggest the best course of action.
What are common treatments for back pain?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we understand how debilitating back pain can be, affecting every aspect of your life. We are committed to providing a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating back pain, utilizing both conservative and invasive treatments, as well as alternative therapies to help manage, alleviate, and prevent this discomfort.
At our practice, we start with conservative therapies such as:
Rest and Activity Modification
Our team can guide how to balance rest and activity to promote healing and prevent further damage.
Medications
Our experienced practitioners can prescribe over-the-counter or stronger medication depending on the severity of your back pain.
Invasive Procedures
If conservative treatments are not effective, our team is skilled in various invasive procedures such as:
Epidural Steroid Injections and Nerve Block Therapies
We are equipped to provide these targeted treatments to provide effective relief from back pain.
Facet Joint Injections
Our practitioners are experienced in performing these injections to alleviate pain caused by inflammation or osteoarthritis.
Radiofrequency Ablation
We provide this advanced pain relief procedure for suitable candidates at our practice. Presidio Pain Relief takes a holistic approach to treating back pain. We will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, with the ultimate goal of reducing pain and improving your quality of life.
What is the process of pain management?
When you first visit Presidio Pain Relief, you'll be warmly welcomed by our friendly receptionist who will guide you through the check-in process. To assist in your comprehensive evaluation, you will be asked to provide your insurance details, a form of identification, and your medical history. This information allows us to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and develop the most effective treatment strategy for you.
Once the administrative details are completed, our skilled medical team will accompany you to an examination room. A nurse or physician assistant may take your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. They will also inquire about the details of your discomfort, such as its location, intensity, and length. This information is crucial for the doctor during the physical examination.
You will then have a detailed consultation with one of our expert pain management doctors. They will review your medical history, inquire about the intensity, type, triggers, and relievers of your pain, and conduct a physical examination. This may include an assessment of your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. Additional diagnostic procedures like MRIs, blood tests, or X-rays can be required based on your symptoms. Based on the results of your examination and tests, our doctor will discuss their findings and potential diagnosis with you. They will explain what they have determined and how it affects your treatment.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a tailored treatment plan will be created. This plan, based on your pain type, its cause, your overall health, and your personal preferences, may include medications, physical therapy, injections, psychotherapy, and possibly procedures or surgeries. Our doctor will thoroughly explain your treatment plan, provide instructions on medication usage, and the use of any medical devices, and answer any questions you may have.
You should have a good first experience with Presidio Pain Relief. Our experienced staff is committed to delivering compassionate treatment and assisting you in regaining a pain-free lifestyle. Remember, Presidio Pain Relief's objective is to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. Your first appointment may be lengthy, with numerous questions and tests, but this information is critical in developing your specific pain management plan.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment with the experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, California. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.
