Which doctor to see for back pain

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Why Does My Back Hurt? 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.

Share: Facebook Twitter. Ready for an appointment? Doctors Featured in this Article. Featured Doctors Images. Related Doctors. See a Physiatrist Instead. By Morgan deBlecourt and Erin Hull. February 03, By Morgan deBlecourt. Working from Home Causing Back Pain? Primary care physicians can:. We recommend you visit a primary care physician first so they can navigate you to the most appropriate specialist.

Primary care physicians will determine if a consultation with a spine surgeon is needed or if your ailments can be treated through non-surgical interventions, such as medication or physical therapy. Not all spine specialists are surgeons. After visiting your primary care physician, you may learn surgery is not the best option for you. Physiatrists treat both acute and chronic back pain.

Treatment is aimed at improving pain to restore function, not just treating pain merely to have the pain go away. While physiatrists do not perform surgery, they train with spine surgeons and physical therapists during residency, allowing them to understand the many different treatment options for back pain.

Most pain medicine physicians are trained in either anesthesiology or physiatry and complete an additional year of fellowship training in pain medicine. As the name suggests, the focus of pain medicine is to alleviate pain from a variety of causes. While addressing your back pain, you may be referred to a radiologist as well. Some radiologists are trained to perform many of the interventional spine procedures, but they typically focus on performing procedures and not evaluating and treating patients in an office setting.

At-home treatments for spinal stenosis can include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen and exercises to strengthen the back muscles and improve mobility. For people with more severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend steroid injections, nerve blockers, or surgery. Lower back pain can sometimes also be a symptom of conditions that do not relate directly to the back. There is not always an obvious cause of lower back pain, and it often gets better on its own.

Resting, trying hot or cold therapy, taking OTC pain relievers, and gently stretching may help speed up recovery. However, a person should see a doctor for lower back pain that is severe, does not seem to be getting better, or occurs alongside other concerning symptoms, such as tingling or numbness down the legs.

People with lower back pain should seek immediate medical attention if they also have any of the following symptoms:. A doctor can help a person identify potential causes of lower back pain and recommend appropriate treatment.

Lower back pain is very common, and there is not always an obvious cause. However, lower back pain can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as an injury, an infection, or spinal problems. Exercising regularly, practicing good posture, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of lower back pain. A person can often treat lower back pain at home by resting, trying hot or cold therapy, taking OTC pain relievers, and stretching gently.

However, a person should see their doctor for lower back pain that is severe, not getting better, or occurs at the same time as other concerning symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if the lower back pain is affecting coordination or bladder or bowel control.

Degenerative disc disease is not technically a disease, but a natural occurrence due to aging. One or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the…. There are many possible causes of lower back spasm, including poor posture, muscle overuse, and injuries.

In some cases, the spasm may occur as a…. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways in a C- or S-shaped curve. This article looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of…. Back pain is a widespread but potentially debilitating problem. Fortunately, there are a variety of home remedies to relieve back pain quickly and…. What can cause lower back pain? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.

Sprains and strains. Share on Pinterest Twisting awkwardly can cause lower back pain. Cauda equina syndrome. Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anti-fungal medication to treat an infection. Degenerative disc disease. Spinal stenosis.