During an initial appointment for back and neck pain, a doctor will typically collect the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination.
Spine Specialists
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. Selection of the most appropriate type of health professional—or team of professionals—largely depends on the nature, severity, and duration of a patient’s symptoms.
Getting a referral to an appropriate spine surgeon may not always be as straightforward as it may sound. The difficulties are due to several issues.
While there is no source of clear-cut criteria to compare spine surgeons, there are a number of ways patients can evaluate the surgeon they are being referred to.
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How to Select a Spine Surgeon
Learn the three general considerations that can help guide your selection from different spine surgeons.
Finding the right spine surgeon can increase the odds of getting a correct diagnosis and the right procedure. Learn what to ask during your spinal surgeon search.
Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can perform spine surgery, but which doctor is best for a particular surgery may depend on experience, subspecialty, and more.
The distinguishing characteristics of osteopathic medicine include its focus on treating the whole body and its focus on the musculoskeletal system...
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Pain Management Specialists
Pain management and pain medicine specialists who treat chronic back pain and neck pain, including anesthesiologists, physiatrists, and more.
Review of physiatry and physical medicine and rehabilitation for treating back pain.
Learn how you can prepare for your first doctor's appointment for back and neck pain, and what to expect once you arrive.
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