Endometriosis is a common and often debilitating disease that affects many women. It is important...
Back pain can occur anywhere along the length of the spine, from the neck to the tailbone. This is a common condition with most people experiencing back pain at some point in their life, whether it is due to an acute injury, such as a recent fall, or a more chronic trigger, such as poor posture, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, or an old injury.
When you’re dealing with ongoing back pain that just won’t go away and is affecting your daily life, it can be tough to figure out where to turn for help. But there’s good news! There are various healthcare providers who specialize in treating back pain. The initial step in getting the right care often begins with a visit to your primary care provider. They’ll evaluate your condition and, based on what’s causing your back pain and your symptoms, may refer you to a specialist who can offer specialized help.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of healthcare providers who can treat pain:
Sports Medicine
If you’ve had a sports-related injury or your back pain is getting in the way of your sports activities, your primary care provider might send you to a sports medicine specialist. These doctors focus on treating injuries without surgery, and they may recommend imaging if your pain continues despite trying non-invasive treatments.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)
PM&R physicians treat conditions such as chronic back pain with a focus on non-surgical interventions. They can order imaging to better assess the underlying cause of the pain, prescribe medications, refer to physical therapy, and can work in conjunction with a patient’s primary care physicians and/or spine surgeons to maximize effective treatment strategies.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapy is often one of the initial treatments suggested for back pain. A primary care provider or a specialist can refer you to a physical therapist. The main goal is to engage in guided exercises to help strengthen the trunk muscles and improve flexibility. This often results in reduced pain and an overall improvement in your ability to move and function. Physical therapy can make a significant difference in relieving your back pain, either on its own or when combined with other treatments.
Spine Surgeon
Spine surgeons can be trained in either orthopedics or neurosurgery, and they typically undergo additional specialized training through a spine surgery fellowship after their residency. You might be sent to a spine surgeon if you have back pain and imaging shows a significant issue that might necessitate surgery. However, surgery is usually a last resort. It’s only considered when other treatments haven’t worked or in cases of a sudden, severe injury involving the spine that requires immediate attention.
If you or a family member is struggling with chronic pain, Summus is here for you. We will connect you with a specialist who can help you understand your treatment options and answer all your questions. You may reach out to us any time through your Summus Dashboard.
