I Have Back Pain — Should I See a Neurologist or Orthopedist?

Back pain can be a debilitating problem that affects every aspect of your daily life. Whether you are trying to sit at your desk, enjoy a walk in the park, or simply get a good night’s sleep, persistent back pain can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. If you are dealing with this issue, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional medical care. But with so many specialists out there, you might wonder whom you should see. Specifically, should you visit a neurologist or an orthopedist? This guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Specialties

Before you decide which type of doctor to visit, you should have a basic understanding of what they do.

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. Neurologists are trained to handle several conditions that might be causing your back pain, such as:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Radiculopathy

An orthopedist, on the other hand, specializes in the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, and soft tissues. They diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect your body’s structure and movement. Common conditions treated by orthopedists include:

• Arthritis
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis

Choosing the Right Specialist

Deciding which doctor to visit can be challenging, especially since there is some overlap in the conditions they treat! Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice:

When to See an Orthopedist

Consider visiting an orthopedist if:

• You recently suffered an injury, such as from a car accident, fall, or sports activity.
• You have chronic back pain that affects your daily activities.
• Your movement is limited due to back pain.
• Your pain radiates down your leg without significant neurological symptoms.
• You know your pain is related to muscles, bones, or the surrounding soft tissues.

Orthopedists can provide a wide range of treatments, from physical therapy and medications to regenerative therapies and beyond. Depending on the specifics of your situation, they might even refer you to a trustworthy neurologist.

When to See a Neurologist

A neurologist might be the right choice if:

• You have numbness or tingling in your limbs.
• There is weakness in your arms or legs
• You are experiencing bowel or bladder dysfunction along with your back pain.
• You have any type of pain that seems to stem from your nervous system

Neurologists can help diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions and may work in conjunction with other specialists, including your orthopedist, to provide comprehensive care.

Seek Treatment to Find Relief

Choosing the best care provider for your unique situation is not always easy! Whether you should see a neurologist or an orthopedist depends on the nature of your back pain and the symptoms you are experiencing. Hopefully, you will find the right doctor for you and soon be on your way to reduced pain and improved mobility!

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, we are proud to provide a broad range of services that can help to reduce back pain. We combine advanced techniques and technology with our passion for helping people to provide top-quality care throughout your journey toward improved health. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with our office at 954-563-2707.