If you’ve got a problem with your spine, you may be surprised at the type of doctor you’re sent to for consultation and treatment. Unlike some parts of the body, there isn’t one specific spine doctor out there.
Instead, there are a number of different specialists who can treat spinal conditions. The type of doctor you’re sent to often has to do with the type of spinal issue you’re dealing with. Here are some of the doctors who can help with spinal issues.
Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgeon handles diagnosis and treatment related to the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain. Some of these experts to specialize in treating conditions related to the spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal deformity, infections, tumors, and chronic pain.
They often work closely with neurologists in the early stages of diagnosis before treating the condition surgically. Common surgeries performed by neurosurgeons include Kyphoplasty, spinal fusion, stents, radiosurgery, and laminectomy.
Chiropractic Doctor
A chiropractic expert focuses on treating conditions that affect the joints and the spine. They often seek to relieve or reduce pain, restore mobility, and help reduce the tightness in the muscles.
Chiropractic doctors treat those who have neuromuscular symptoms as well as pain from overusing muscles and from issues such as asthma and allergies. They often use non-invasive technics such as ultrasound, manipulation, hot/cold therapy, and acupuncture.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist focuses on treating arthritis and other conditions that affect bones, muscles, and joints. They assist patients who are dealing with autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout. They often work in conjunction with other experts to treat these conditions.
Massage Therapists
A massage therapist may not necessarily be a medical doctor, but they are still a trained expert who understands how to help treat conditions that affect ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They work to improve blood flow and reduce pain in the back, neck, and other parts of the body. Massage therapists use various hands-on techniques to treat these conditions.
Physical Therapists
A physical therapist works to restore motion and functionality to parts of the body that are affected by injury, neuromuscular problems, and musculoskeletal conditions. They work alongside other experts and often assist patients after surgical procedures or other treatments.
They help patients become stronger and work through injuries, recovery, arthritis, and other conditions. Physical therapists often use exercise, massage, ultrasound, and other non-invasive techniques. They may also teach patients exercises they can do on their own outside of physical therapy sessions.
Physiatrist
A physiatrist is a medical expert that focuses on treating chronic injuries and illnesses along with musculoskeletal conditions. They often use nonsurgical treatment methods and look at treating the patent as a whole rather than focusing on specific parts of the body.
They work to reduce pain, improve mobility, and even address emotional and mental issues that result from injury or illness. They may work with those who have had a stroke or have an injury/illness that affects the spine. Their treatment may include electromyography, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections.
Orthopedic Surgeons
An orthopedic surgeon is an expert in treating disorders and conditions that affect the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They may focus their studies on treating spinal conditions, including spine deformities, scoliosis, herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, tumors, deformities, and other conditions. They commonly perform procedures such as spinal fusions, discectomies, joint replacement, and a number of nonsurgical treatments.
Let Our Orthopedic Surgeons Help You
We have a number of experienced orthopedic surgeons on staff at AICA Orthopedics. If you’re dealing with a spinal issue, including chronic pain, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
