Back pain can be a debilitating issue, and often medical treatment is required to get relief. It is important to know who to go to when you are suffering from back pain, as not all doctors are qualified to treat spine pain. This article will introduce three types of doctors who specialize in treating spine pain. Furthermore, the article will explore the unique treatments and knowledge each specialist brings to managing this painful condition.
1. Orthopedic Physicians
Background and Skills
Orthopedic physicians, or orthopedists, are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries. They are knowledgeable about the anatomy of the spine, the muscular, skeletal and connective tissues, and the common issues associated with back pain. Orthopedists use a variety of procedures, from physical therapy and medications, to surgery and rehabilitation to treat spine pain.
Common Treatments
Common treatments for spine pain from an orthopedic physician include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, medications and injections. Manual therapy can include joint mobilization, massage and deep tissue manipulation to loosen tight muscles and mobilize stiff joints. Their therapeutic exercises may involve strengthening, stretching and balance activities to help with the correction of biomechanical imbalances and giving proper support to the spine. They may also recommend medications and injections to help with the pain and inflammation associated with spine pain disorders.
2. Neurosurgeon
Background and Skills
Neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system, including the spine. Neurosurgeons have expertise in treating conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, fractures, and degenerative disc disease. They can diagnose and treat spine pain by using a combination of medications and/or surgical techniques.
Common Treatments
Neurosurgeons provide treatments such as epidural injections to help with inflammation and pain. They may also recommend physical therapy to increase flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles of the spine. In more severe cases, they may perform surgeries such as spinal fusion or laminectomy to reduce pain by relieving the pressure on the nerves. In addition, they may treat specific conditions such as tumor removal or spinal cord stimulation.
3. Pain Medicine Doctor
Background and Skills
Pain medicine doctors are specialists who have expertise in alleviating pain. They have an in-depth knowledge of the use of medications, interventional procedures, and psychological treatments to help patients manage their pain. Pain medicine doctors are knowledgeable about a variety of spinal disorder and their treatments, as well as common pain-relieving treatments to provide relief from back pain.
Common Treatments
Common treatments for spine pain from a pain medicine doctor can include medications such as NSAIDs, steroids, and muscle relaxants. They may also provide interventional procedures such as nerve blocks, spine injections, and nerve radiofrequency ablation to help with the pain. In addition, they may use mental health interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques to help with pain management.
People Also Ask
What type of doctor should I see for back pain?
A doctor to see for back pain can depend on the severity of the pain and diagnosis. Orthopedic physicians, neurosurgeons, and pain medicine doctors are three types of doctors who specialize in treating spine pain.
Does a neurosurgeon treat sciatica?
Yes, neurosurgeons specialize in treating sciatica. They may recommend medications, physical therapy, or injections to help with the pain. In more severe cases they may perform a surgery such as spinal fusion to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
How do pain medicine doctors treat back pain?
Pain medicine doctors specialize in alleviating pain and can use a combination of medications, interventional procedures, and psychological treatments to help patients manage their back pain. Common treatments for back pain from a pain medicine doctor can include medications, nerve blocks and injections, and mental health interventions.
Can physical therapy help with back pain?
Yes, physical therapy can be used to help with back pain. Physical therapy can increase flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles of the spine, which can help to reduce pain. It can also be used as a long-term solution to maintain spine health by correcting biomechanical imbalances.
What is an orthopedic physician?
An orthopedic physician, or orthopedist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries. They are knowledgeable about the anatomy of the spine, the muscular, skeletal, and connective tissues, and the common issues associated with back pain.
Final Words
When it comes to treating spine pain, it is important to know who to go to. Orthopedic physicians, neurosurgeons, and pain medicine doctors are all medical specialists who have the knowledge and skills to treat a variety of conditions associated with spine pain. They can provide a variety of treatments from medications, injections and physical therapy to surgeries, to help treat and manage the pain.