Which Doctor Should Treat Your Back Pain?
Like many people, you may be confused as to which type of
doctor to see for your back pain. Every person is different, and so the answer
depends on your specific situation and personal preferences. Many types of
specialists treat back pain, and each has different training, skills, and
interests.
In the case of many health conditions, one type of medical
specialist will typically coordinate your care. However, in the case of back
pain there is no one type of specialist who generally coordinates care. This is
especially true for any type of chronic or ongoing back problem, and you may
find that you need to see more than one type of specialist to diagnose and
treat your condition.
When a back problem first occurs, it’s typically a good idea
to first consult with a primary care physician, osteopathic physician, or
chiropractor. That doctor will conduct an initial exam, and, depending on the
situation, he or she may refer you to a spine specialist.
If you are referred by a physician, it is most probably to
one of these doctors:
Surgeon
Spine surgeons typically have training and board
certification in either orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery. No one wants to
have spine surgery, but it may be the quickest and most reliable way to address
the cause of your pain.
Physiatrist
Also called a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor,
physiatrists specialize in treating musculoskeletal disorders through
nonsurgical treatments. Some physiatrists specialize in either pain management
or physical rehabilitation, while others combine both in their practice.
Anesthesiologist
(Pain Management)
Most people think of an anesthesiologist as the person who
administers and monitors anesthesia during surgery. However, many anesthesiologists
actually specialize in pain management, and some focus on treating spinal
disorders.
Physical or
Occupational Therapist
Therapists specialize in either physical or occupational
rehabilitation for people with back conditions,, and rehabilitation is part of
most back pain treatment plans. Other specialists may also provide physical
therapy as a core part of their practice, such as chiropractors, osteopathic
physicians, and physiatrists.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is an internal medicine doctor who is
trained in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases affecting your
musculoskeletal system. If your back pain is caused by any type of arthritis, a
rheumatologist will typically serve as your primary back-care specialist.
Comments
Post a Comment