What Does a Spine Specialist Do?
A spine specialist is a physician or advanced practice provider (APP) with training and experience in treating back and neck problems. They read images such as X-rays, diagnose conditions, and create treatment plans.
Our Back, Neck, & Spine Services team at 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀÖ±²¥ includes the following providers:
-
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
-
Physician assistants (PAs)
We may schedule you with any of these providers during your first visit. We will schedule you with the provider best suited for your back and neck pain needs.
When to See a Doctor for Back or Neck Pain
Back pain and neck pain are common. Many back and neck problems go away at home with these remedies:
- Rest
- Ice
- Heat
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
You should see your primary care provider first if you’ve had pain for more than 4–6 weeks that hasn't improved with any home treatments. Your primary care provider can help figure out the cause of your pain. They can also order images to get a closer look at your spine. Your primary care provider will refer you to a spine specialist if your pain needs specialized treatment.
If you're experiencing severe and debilitating spine pain, you may want to visit the emergency room.
Reasons to See a Spine Specialist for Back or Neck Pain
1. Chronic Pain
Pain lasting longer than three months is called chronic pain. You don’t always need to see a spine specialist for chronic neck or back pain. But you may want to make an appointment if you have chronic pain that hasn’t gone away with nonsurgical treatments:
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
2. Pain That Travels
Pain that travels (radiates) through your arms or legs can point to a problem with one of your spinal nerves. Nerves that are injured, inflamed, or compressed can cause radiating pain that feels like the following sensations:
- Pins and needles
- Tingling
- Electrical sensation
- Burning
- Shooting sensation
You should see a spine specialist if you suspect nerve problems or are experiencing severe discomfort. Persistent symptoms that progress and last for 4–6 weeks despite home treatments may warrant an evaluation sooner.
3. Weakness & Tingling
Muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hips, groin, legs, or arms can mean you have a spine condition. You should see a specialist if you suddenly feel clumsy, weak, or have difficulty picking up items such as pencils or mugs.
4. Changes to Everyday Activities
Many people have back or neck pain but still drive, go to work, run errands, and do chores. You should see a spine specialist if the pain prevents you from doing any of these everyday things.
5. Bowel & Bladder Problems
Many people experience bladder and bowel problems as they age. You should go to the emergency room if you suddenly lose all bowel or bladder control and have pelvic numbness. These symptoms could be a sign of serious spine cord problem or nerve compression.
6. No Clear Source of Pain
Can you remember when your back or neck pain started? Sometimes, you can point to an injury or activity, such as gardening or skiing, when the discomfort began. Your pain will likely clear up on its own in these cases.
You don't need to see a spine specialist if your pain goes away after stretching, using heating pads, or taking an anti-inflammatory medicine. But you may need to see a spine specialist if you can’t remember a time when your back didn’t hurt.
Back & Neck Pain Causes
Spine specialists group the causes of back and neck pain into several categories:
- Degenerative pain—The structures in your back and neck tend to wear out as you get older.
- Muscular pain—Muscular pain is the most common cause of acute (lasting less than 3 months) back or neck pain. You can get muscle pain if you increase your activity levels too quickly, overexercise, or don't stretch properly.
- Structural pain—Some conditions cause changes to the structures in your back and neck, such as spondylosis, scoliosis, kyphosis (a curved spine), and herniated discs.
- Traumatic pain—A fall, car accident, or sports injury can lead to back or neck pain.
How Do I Know If I Need Spine Surgery?
Some people worry that meeting with a spine specialist means they need spine surgery. But most patients with back or neck pain don’t need surgery. Your spine specialist will almost always recommend starting with non-invasive treatment options:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Steroid injections
- Nerve ablation, a minimally invasive needle procedure to safely destroy nerves causing pain
- Spinal cord stimulator, a surgically implanted device that uses an electrical current to disrupt pain signals
Your spine specialist may consider spine surgery if your symptoms aren't improving with non-invasive treatments.
Make an Appointment
We recommend visiting your primary care provider to get a referral to a spine specialist. You may also request a spine pain evaluation or spine surgery evaluation, depending on your needs.
