The focus of physiatry is to treat patients with non-surgical modalities, to help them become as functional and pain free as possible, as quickly as possible. A physiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialty in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The term physiatrist and PM&R physician are used interchangeably.
I'm a physiatrist with over 30 years of experience, and today I'll explain how physiatrist help keep their patients comfortable and functional. Physiatrists treat a range of medical conditions. In addition to musculoskeletal injuries, physiatrists are trained to treat head injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, childhood diseases such as muscular dystrophy as well as provide rehabilitation programs for patients with cancer, heart and lung conditions.
Today, I'm going to focus on physiatrists who specialize in treating back pain and neck conditions. Physiatrists treat almost all types of muscular and neurological issues stemming from spine problems. The dual focus is on minimizing pain and restoring function.
Medical training for a physiatrist includes four years of medical school, followed by four years of postgraduate training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, including a one year internship and three years of residency. A physiatrist may further specialize in one area of treatment, such as pain management, specialized or focused on back and neck injections, and medication treatment, by getting an additional year of training called a fellowship.
Physiatrists are uniquely trained to evaluate and diagnose a patient's medical condition and then organize and manage a treatment program that may include medication, nerve testing, injections, physical therapy, and so much more.
When you go for a consultation at a spine clinic, you will often first see or be treated by a physiatrist for a non-surgical approach. Depending on your needs, the physiologist will determine if non-surgical care is appropriate and if so, put together and manage a comprehensive treatment plan to minimize your pain and optimize function. Many of the approaches just discussed may be offered by your physiatrist.
If non-surgical treatment is not successful or surgical care is indicated at any time. A physiatrist is uniquely qualified to make the correct diagnosis and then get you to the best surgeon for your particular problem to help ensure the most successful surgical outcome.
Patients who are treated by an appropriately qualified physiatrist often find they can avoid surgery. In fact, studies have shown that by first seeing a non-surgical specialist such as a physiatrist for your spine pain, the chances of having surgery are significantly reduced, yet you will still have a good outcome. Working with a physiatrist after surgery can also help accelerate recovery.
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