Users' questions 

What kind of doctor do you see for severe back pain?

Leia Doyle

What kind of doctor do you see for severe back pain?

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.

What type of doctor should I see for back problems?

Orthopedists. Orthopedic doctors and surgeons are trained experts in the healing functions relative to the musculoskeletal system. This type of doctor is board certified and can help to treat any issues you may have with pain in the neck, spine, disc-related pain, and other common back pain complaints.

What is a back specialist called?

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 does a neurologist do for back pain?

A neurologist can help diagnose the source of your back pain, and recommend the best treatment approach, which may involve physical therapy, seeing a pain specialist, or consulting with a surgeon.

Why do I need to see a spine specialist?

Leg or Feet Pain Pain or numbness in the legs or feet accompanied by back pain is a true-blue sign you need to see a specialist. Pressure on the nerves or spine can lead to tingling sensations or weakness in the hip, legs, and feet. This occurs when a nerve root near the cervical vertebrae is compressed.

Do neurologists treat chronic pain?

Neurologists care for patients with chronic, complex conditions that include pain disorders like migraine, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and low back pain.

When should you see a neurologist for back pain?

Weakness, numbness, tingling or pain radiating into an arm or leg are important symptoms that need evaluation by a physician. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of the problem. Your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, to help determine the cause of your back pain.

What can I expect from a spine specialist?

These surgeons spend every day assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with spine-related injuries and conditions, including:

  • Degenerative disc diseases.
  • Herniated discs.
  • Kyphosis.
  • Neck pain.
  • Scoliosis.
  • Spinal cord compression.
  • Spinal deformities.
  • Spinal stenosis.