When it comes to treating neck and back pain, there are many types of healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat your symptoms based on their unique expertise and area of specialization. So, which type of physician should you see first?

Start with Your Primary Care Provider

Just as you would go see your primary care provider (PCP) when you have a cold or some other health issue, you should meet with your PCP when you’re experiencing neck or back pain. Approximately 80 percent of Americans deal with this form of discomfort at some point in their lives and many first turn to their PCPs for help. To help form an initial diagnosis of what’s causing your neck or back pain, your PCP will want to know about:

– The location, severity, and frequency of your symptoms

– Whether you’re experiencing shooting pains, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs

– Whether you’ve had any previous injuries or surgeries

– Whether your family has a history of spine conditions

– Whether certain movements or motions improve or worsen your symptoms

He or she may also order an X-ray that can help reveal some forms of degenerative changes in the spine, which are sometimes the root cause of spine pain, particularly if an anatomical abnormality is compressing the spinal nerve structures. If your PCP cannot determine exactly why your neck or back hurts, he or she may refer you to a specialist.

Types of Specialists

Your PCP will like recommend that you visit a certain type of spine specialist based on the information he or she is able to gather regarding your symptoms, medical history, and previous health conditions.

Some types of spine specialists include:

– Orthopedists – Orthopedic physicians focus on diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, or the ligaments, tendons, nerves, bones, joints, and muscles of the body. Visiting an orthopedic spine specialist may be helpful as they are familiar with many musculoskeletal conditions.

– Physical therapists – Physical therapists may employ techniques such as low-impact aerobics, strength training, and other non-surgical methods to build up the muscles in the neck and back. Strengthening muscles could help ease symptoms and may prevent future spinal issues. Other physical therapy treatments might include massage and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

– Neurologists – A neurologist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system conditions. If an anatomical abnormality such as a bulging or herniated disc has resulted in the impingement of the spinal cord or a nerve root, a neurologist can determine the best methods to relieve the neural compression.

– Rheumatologists – Rheumatologists are specialists in conditions that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joints or muscles. If the cause of your pain stems from arthritic joints and the often subsequent formation of osteophytes (bone spurs), a rheumatologist can help guide you to the proper treatment methods.

Alternative Specialists

While your mainstream medical physician may not endorse complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), you may choose to visit one or more CAM providers to treat your neck or back pain. One type of alternative spine specialist is a chiropractor, which uses manual spinal manipulation to adjust misaligned vertebrae to help reduce nerve compression and alleviate symptoms. Other CAM specialists that can help with neck and back pain include acupuncturists and herbalists.

Do Some Research

It’s in your best interest to conduct further research into the types of specialists that your PCP may refer you to so you have a better idea of how they can help you. Additionally, as you’re searching for pain relief suggestions from spine health care professionals, it’s important to remain positive and try not to stress out too much. The calmer you remain in your quest for symptom mitigation, the easier it will be to implement recommended treatments into your routine.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a health expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare professionals.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare professionals. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a health expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare professionals.

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