PDX Monthly has named Dr David Westerdahl one of Portland’s Top Sports Medicine Doctors for 2024. He is the only Doctor in that group recognized by his peers who is not part of a large medical group.

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Back Pain

Sports Health Northwest, Inc David N Westerdahl, MD Our Services Back Pain
David N Westerdahl, MD - - Sports Medicine Physician

Sports Health Northwest, Inc

David N Westerdahl, MD

Sports Medicine Physician & Non-Operative Orthopaedic Specialist located in Portland, OR

Is your low back pain keeping you from staying active and enjoying life?  Are you searching for a diagnosis and effective nonsurgical treatments to ease your back pain? At Sports Health Northwest, we want to help you recover and get back to the activities you enjoy.  Dr. David Westerdahl, MD, FAAFP at Sports Health Northwest, Inc, can help. He is a sports medicine physician specializing in treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions and has expertise in diagnosing and treating nonsurgical low back pain. He has additional training and experience treating non-surgical causes of low back pain.  Call the office located in The Graham Clinic in Portland, Oregon, or book an appointment online today.

Have you experienced a back injury?  Maybe it was lifting something heavy or started after a fall or auto accident.  Whether it’s an injury or pain you woke up with without explanation there are many ways we can experience low back pain.  Low back pain commonly affects all ages.  From teens, to working age adults, to retirees, there are many ways our low back can generate pain.  With many muscles, vertebra, ligaments, discs, and nerves, there are plenty of possible etiologies for back pain.  Did you know back pain is one of the most common reasons for someone to seek medical care.  In fact, it’s a top 10 reason to see a medical doctor.  Back pain is also a common reason to undergo surgery.  

Did you know common symptoms of back pain include

  • Morning stiffness
  • Leg pain
  • Limitations of motion

 

When you see a sports medicine doctor for your low back pain, he/she will check for signs of

  • Sciatica
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle spasm
  • Muscle tenderness

Your sports medicine doctor may order

  • X-rays or mri
  • Lab work
  • Special tests
  • Physical therapy
  • Referrals to other subspecialists

Your sports physician can help coordinate care and work towards helping you achieve your goals for recovery. 

There are many complications that can occur if back pain is not treated properly and the diagnosis delayed including

  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensory changes
  • Work difficulty
  • Chronic pain

We understand that back pain can make you miserable.  Whether it is acute from an injury, or has been going on for months, back pain can be all consuming and keep you from being able to work, exercise and play sports, and even from enjoying your family life.  At Sports Health Northwest, we want to help you recover from your back injury and get back to activities you enjoy.  Whether those activities are job related, being able to sleep comfortably, playing sports, or lifting your child, we are committed to providing you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment options to help you feel better and get back in the game of life.

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