What Kind of Doctor Should I Visit for my Back Pain?

Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

back doctorBack pain is incredibly complex, and can be the result of numerous conditions or injuries. To make matters more confusing for patients, there are a variety of physicians with different specialties that treat differing types of back pain. It can be overwhelming for a patient to figure out what kind of doctor to visit for their back pain or spine condition. In this article, we will talk about various types of physician specialists, and the back pain and spine conditions they treat.

Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Physical therapists and chiropractic specialists use a variety of non-surgical, and non-medication based methods to relieve pain. These methods range from spinal manipulation, to rehabilitation exercises, and are among the most conservative ways to treat back pain. Oftentimes, this is where patients with back pain begin their treatment course.

Pain Management Physicians

When chiropractic techniques and physical therapy fail to adequately relieve pain, a pain management specialist may be the next option. A pain management (or physical medicine) specialist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of pain through various methods such as prescribing pain medications, and injection therapy. Pain management doctors may also sub-specialize in a particular area of the body.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeons

Orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in surgical procedures to correct spinal conditions such as compressed nerves, herniated discs, scoliosis, and other issues. When conservative treatment methods fail to reduce pain in the long-run, spine surgeons are typically the next step in treatment. While it’s good to explore conservative options, these methods often only provide short-term pain relief. Minimally invasive surgeries are aimed at providing pain relief in the long-run.

Referrals

Once you narrow down the type of specialized doctor for your pain, one of the best ways to find an excellent physician is to ask your family, friends, colleagues, or primary care physician for a referral to a specialist. Referrals from people you know and trust are typically the best way to find a specialized doctor you can trust.

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