What Kind Of Doctor Deals With Back Pain

Specialists That Can Help Your Back And How To Pick One

Low back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, so family doctors see a lot of back pain patients. But if four to six weeks of painkillers and exercise therapy doesn’t help a patient, it may be time for a specialist. Many insurance companies require that you get a referral from a family doctor or another primary care physician before they will cover the cost of a specialist.

Between orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physiatrists, neurosurgeons, and osteopathic physicians, it’s hard to know which doctor can best treat your pain.

Each approaches treatment from a different perspective. No treatment is guaranteed to give relief, so your choice will depend in part on your attitude toward the body and medicineand your doctor’s own philosophy.

Bowel And Bladder Issues

If you find yourself running to the restroom or sitting on the toilet for hours , it may be time to see a specialist.

Some of the issues that can affect the bowel, bladder, and back include Irritable Bowel Syndrome and nerve damage.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can cause abdominal cramping and extreme stool , which can then lead to lower back issues.

Flipping it around, nerve damage in the back can create abdominal pain and disrupt digestion.

When To See An Orthopedist For Back Pain

At some point in everyones life, they start to experience pain in their back that might start as a simple soreness they progress to something unbearable.

Whether its lower back pain from bad posture, upper back pain from sports, or all over pain from aging, or a severe back injury that has caused immobility, it could be extremely detrimental to ones quality of life.

Although the majority of back pain will go away within months, about 5% of people will require medical treatment. It would be wise to get a consultation with a doctor specializing in orthopedics if the pain your back doesnt alleviate after 7 days if the pain starts to spread to the lower half of your body, causing loss of feeling or tingling sensations in your toes or legs, and if you notice that you have stopped doing normal day to day activities due to the pain.

If the orthopedic doctor feels that your pain is not something that will go away on its own, they will more than likely suggest scheduling an appointment for an exam.

While orthopedic doctors mainly specialize in bones and joints, they are widely known for helping those suffering from back pain or injuries. If the fear of surgery is keeping you from getting a much-needed examination, dont let that stop you.

Orthopedic Doctor vs. Chiropractor

Speak with an Orthopedic Specialist Today

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Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome

This rare condition is distinguished by the start of pain shortly after a vasectomy. We are not certain why it happens but it is not fun. Local anesthesia blocks of the spermatic cord can temporarily relieve the pain.

When necessary, microscopic denervation procedures can be performed with success rates up to 85%. Sometimes men even elect to have the vasectomy reversed to re-hook the plumbing pipes. This releases the back pressure and solves the pain as well.

What Causes A Pinched Nerve

According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, a pinched nerve occurs when the tissue that surrounds a nerve puts pressure on it. The pressure can change how the nerve functions and cause pain or a tingling sensation. This pain or tingling can be temporary or long-lasting, and can be minor or severe.

A pinched nerve can be caused by a herniated disc, which is when one of the discs between the spinal bones pushes out. Spinal stenosis, which is the abnormal narrowing of the body channel occupied by the spinal cord, can also cause a pinched nerve.

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What Kind Of Doctor Should Be Used For Treatment Of Sciatica

Fact Checked

Sciatica features pain that runs from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg. Caused by compression on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the center of the lower back down the back of the leg to the calf muscle, the pain can be intense and long-lasting. Fortunately, many different kinds of doctors can treat sciatica.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Treatment For Testicular Pain

Im going to assume that youve had a normal exam, imaging tests and have never had a vasectomy. This leads us to our diagnosis of chronic testicular pain .

First and foremost, we recommend viewing this condition like headaches and backaches. Most headaches arent due to brain cancer. Most backaches dont require a visit to the spine surgeon. They are musculoskeletal in nature.

When muscles and nerves are irritated, most exams are normal. Unfortunately quick fixes are not always possible.

Here are some options for treating chronic testicular pain:

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Therapists Who Specialize In Back Pain:

Physical therapists:

These therapists have completed post-graduate school earning an advanced degree in Physical Therapy and a state license to practice. However, surgeons or chiropractors refer their patients to physical therapists.

Occupational therapists:

Occupational therapy is for patients to achieve independence. Therefore, these therapists can help patients get back on their feet.

Clinical psychologists:

These individuals have earned a doctorate in psychology. They are also state-licensed. Utilizing their skills and experience, they provide a diagnostic assessment. And preventative services to help aid in recovery.

There are specialists specifically trained in all areas. However, occasionally, a group effort is appropriate. We hope this article helped you better understand!

If you are looking for a back pain specialist or a certified physical therapist, call . Offices located throughout South Florida!

Performs Any Interventional Procedures

If you do need interventional treatments, such as steroid injections or neuromodulation, your pain management doctor will likely perform them. You can find live videos of many procedures on our YouTube channel. These can help you know what to expect before your procedure, and during your recovery. You can see an example of this in the following radiofrequency ablation video.

Again, a good pain management doctor should be combining these interventional procedures with complementary therapies to reduce the risk of side effects and improve your overall health outcomes.

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How Is A Pelvic Pain Doctor Different From Other Specialists

If youve experienced pelvic pain before, you understand how debilitating it can be. Its especially common in women, but can also occur in men. Pelvic pain can be acute or chronic . Learning how a pelvic pain doctor is different that other specialists may help you find the care you are looking for.

While your gynecologist or personal doctor can treat acute pelvic pain with medication, chronic pelvic pain is better dealt with by a pelvic pain specialist. Unfortunately, theres a lot of misinformation out there about pelvic specialists, which can lead to a series of misdiagnoses and worsening pain.

If youre dealing with pelvic pain, or know someone who does, this article will explore pelvic pain and how a pelvic doctor differs from your local specialist.

When Should I See A Doctor For Back Pain

When your back first starts to hurt, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying ice in the first 48 hours. You may apply heat after 48 hours. You may need to take it easy for a while, but its best to stay as active as tolerated, and to avoid absolute bed rest, said Dr. Guo.

If your back pain lasts more than two weeks and keeps you from participating in normal, daily activities, see your family doctor. If your pain is severe, you should see a doctor sooner. You should seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Fever associated with back pain
• Back pain after trauma
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of strength in your arms and legs
• Unexplained weight loss associated with back pain

Also, always be more cautious if you have special risk factors for cancer, infection, or fractures that may affect the spine.

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What Education Is Required To Become A Neurologist

The education required to become a neurologist is quite grueling and requires a medical doctorate. Medical school is four years and includes courses such as medical diagnostics, disease management, and surgical practice. In the second half of a traditional four-year program, aspiring neurologists will complete practical rotations which allow them to examine and treat patients under the supervision of qualified neurologists.

Following the completion of medical school, students apply for a one-year internship which allows them to put everything theyve learned into practice under the supervision of a medical doctor.

During the internship, students will apply for a residency program, which will take three years to complete, and involves making hospital rounds and monitoring and examining patients with a supervising doctor. If a student wants to become a neurosurgeon, their residency program will be much longersix to eight years!

• VoteSaved My Life

four broken ribs and a split bleeding spleen i still have pain on my whole left side still hurts and now my sciatic nerves are hurting i tried chiropractic it got worse do not use aggressive of any kind water therapy is helping the most

besides operation what else i have to do for saiatica

Hello Anon

Heat therapy helps, as well as massage therapy. Make sure you also rest and avoid activities that could trigger more back pain.

Beginners yoga and Pilates are gentle exercises that can help.

Best,

I hope that helps,

Always Look Out For Yourself As A Whole

Treating CPP is like peeling the layers of an onion. With one solution often comes another problem. This is because the pain can stem from multiple sources or one distinct source, but its often nearly impossible to tell the difference.

Thats why you should always consider seeing a pelvic doctor, even if just for a second opinion. These specialists are equipped to help you manage pelvic pain in the best way possible while working towards a long-term treatment plan.

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How To Relieve Back Pain

The following tips may help reduce your back pain and speed up your recovery:

• stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities this is 1 of the most important things you can do, as resting for long periods is likely to make the pain worse
• try exercises and stretches for back pain other activities such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also be helpful
• take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen remember to check the medicine is safe for you to take and ask a pharmacist if you’re not sure
• use hot or cold compression packs for short-term relief you can buy these from a pharmacy, or a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel will work just as well

Although it can be difficult, it helps if you stay optimistic and recognise that your pain should get better. People who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker.

Back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or months and you may not need to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.

But it’s a good idea to get help if:

• the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
• the pain stops you doing your day-to-day activities
• the pain is very severe or gets worse over time
• you’re worried about the pain or struggling to cope

If you see a GP they will ask about your symptoms, examine your back and discuss possible treatments.

They may refer you to a specialist doctor or a physiotherapist for further help.

When To See A Doctor For Back Pain

Back is one of the most common medical conditions more than eight in 10 of us will experience it during our lifetime. There are many reasons why your back may hurtfrom a to more serious . The type of discomfort ranges from a dull to sharp pain. The most common type of back pain is acutewhich means it goes away within weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months. Knowing when to see a doctor for is half the battle when it comes to finding relief. Many people continue to function with mild backaches and find relief with at-home care measures. But, its important to know the signs and symptoms of a more serious back problem that requires a professional medical diagnosis and treatment.

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What Doctor Should I See For Back Pain

If your back pain is from a recent strain or mild injury, your primary care doctor can probably help. But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor. Start with someone who specializes in nonsurgical treatment for back pain. This can include a physiatrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopaedic physician assistant. They can evaluate your condition and offer appropriate treatment to help alleviate your pain. Depending on your circumstances, they might also refer you to another type of back specialist — for example, a pain management specialist or spine surgeon.

When To See A Doctor

Its important to see a doctor if you begin experiencing numbness in your feet or heels, fever along with the pain of plantar fasciitis, or if you start experiencing pain even when youre not putting weight on the affected areas. You should also call a doctor if youve tried the home remedies above , and you havent seen improvement.

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Types Of Doctors That Might Treat Your Back Pain

Back pain seems to be a problem that plagues so many, so it can be easy to operate under the assumption that treatment is relatively interchangeable. There are actually many different types of doctors that specialize in more specific areas of treatment when it comes to back injury or chronic pain.

It is important that you seek help from the correct type of doctor if you want your pain addressed in the most expedient and thorough fashion. Here is a more in-depth look at the most common types of spine doctors and how they might be able to help you with your pain.

Types Of Neck And Spine Injuries

Although there are injuries and treatments that may affect the neck more than the rest of the spine, it is important to remember that they are both part of the same system. The neck is just the first seven vertebrae of the spine, which is a smaller region. The rest of the spine includes the upper and lower back. All three of these regions can have their own unique injuries, and certain treatments will affect them.

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Why Go To An Orthopedic Doctor For Back Pain

Most us will experience back pain at some point in life. While most back pains resolve on their own or with conservative treatments, some need serious medical attention. Back pain may be a sign of a serious condition, and it will progressively get worse if left untreated.

If your back pain is not getting better and is limiting the activities you can engage in, see an orthopedic doctor. Why go to an orthopedic doctor for back pain? Why cant your primary care physician just treat it? Orthopedic doctors have specialized knowledge, training, and experience in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal pain. While a primary care physician can treat a plethora of health issues, an orthopedic doctor can do it better.

Spine Specialists For Back Pain

Surgeons:

Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform spinal surgeries. They typically extend their training through spine fellowships. A spine fellowship is a group of selected surgeons who have completed their surgical residencies. This typically takes between four and seven years. These board-certified back pain specialists also provide training in spinal surgeries.

Physiatrist:

These are medical doctors that specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. However, these back pain specialists do not perform surgery. Rather, they provide conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal problems.

Neurologist:

Neurologists specialize in treating conditions of the nervous system. These diseases affect the spinal cord, nerves, and brain. Such as epilepsy, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimers. These are all under the specialty practices of neurologists. A neurologist consults with other physicians to provide a long-term plan . Typically, this program is for individuals that experience chronic nervous system disorders.

Anesthesiologists:

Anesthesiologists are dedicated to pain relief and care of the patient. Including before and after a surgical procedure.

Rheumatologist:

Physicians in this field specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Specifically, those affecting bones, muscles, and joints. Plus, all forms of arthritis.

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What Kind Of Doctor Do I See For Back Pain

There are many doctors to see for back pain, so it can be confusing to find the one who would most effectively solve your problems a back doctor vs. chiropractor.

Broadly speaking, the doctors who can help alleviate your spine problems fall into the following categories:

• primary care providers
• back pain doctors
• therapists.

When youre back gets seized up in a fit of debilitating pain, a primary care provider will be the first person you should call. This group would include lower back pain chiropractors, primary care physicians, and doctors of osteopathic medicine.

These doctors assess the causes and remedies to your spine and would help if you have multiple pain locations that expand outside your spine.

The second group spine specialists mainly deal with issues concerning spinal conditions. They deal with back pain but are trained to understand the intricacies of the central nervous system.

Should you need surgery on your spine, spine surgeons have the expertise to handle that fragile organ with little harm done to you. Physiatrists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, and rheumatologists also reside in this category.

Finally, Therapists help rehabilitate mobility and function after back injury or surgery. Should something go wrong in operation, and you need extra time to recuperate, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and clinical psychologist in this field would be your best friend.