What do back specialists do?
What do back specialists do?
A spine specialist is a health professional who focuses mainly on treating spine conditions. Common specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and many rheumatologists and neurologists.
What kind of specialist should I see for back pain?
An orthopedic doctor is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in problems—from head to toe—of the musculoskeletal system. This includes, of course, the spine. An orthopedist might address conditions such as ruptured discs, scoliosis or other types of neck or low back pain.
When should you see a back specialist?
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.
What is a back spasm?
A back spasm is sudden tightness and pain in your back muscles. It may happen from overuse or an injury. Things like sleeping in an awkward way, bending, lifting, standing, or sitting can sometimes cause a spasm.
What kind of Doctor is a back specialist?
Hopefully helpful: Usually a back specialist is an ortopaedic surgeon or neurosugeon who specializes in back disorders. There are other specialists who do non op care such as physiatrists, neurologists as well as some anesthesiologists who may do pain management.
Do you have to ask questions before back surgery?
Having spine surgery is a big decision, and it’s in your best interest to ask relevant questions—so you know how to prepare, how to select a well-qualified surgeon, and what to expect both after the surgery and in the longer term. Having questions prepared for your pre- and post-op appointments is valuable.
Do you have to see another surgeon for back surgery?
Some surgeons only perform a small part of the operation while others carry out the entire procedure. If another surgeon is required (such as a vascular surgeon), their role is important, and it would be good to know their qualifications. Who else will assist you in the surgery?
When to ask a question to an orthopedic specialist?
This is a must-ask question when you’re seeing an orthopedic specialist for the first time. By asking this question, you gain more insights into how bones develop and mature throughout your life. Generally, bones require plenty of calcium to develop, particularly between ages 10 and 20.
How does a doctor determine the cause of back pain?
Because many different conditions may cause back pain, your doctor will take a thorough medical history as part of the examination. Some of the questions may not seem pertinent to you. But the questions are important to your doctor in determining the source of your pain. Your doctor will first ask questions about the onset of pain.
Having spine surgery is a big decision, and it’s in your best interest to ask relevant questions—so you know how to prepare, how to select a well-qualified surgeon, and what to expect both after the surgery and in the longer term. Having questions prepared for your pre- and post-op appointments is valuable.
When to see a back specialist for the first time?
When you do visit with a back or spine specialist for the first time, Reynolds says it’s very helpful if you can bring previous test reports with you.
Which is doctor to see for your specific spine issue?
A neurologist might be chosen if your back or neck pain is chronic and longstanding, as they are an expert in the origins of pain. A neurologist does not perform spine surgery; instead, they will examine how well your nerves function, prescribe medication, and refer you to on to another specialist, as appropriate.