Which Type of Doctor Should You See for Your Back Pain?
Choosing the Right Back Doctor There are many different medical professionals that can help you address back pain. So which back doctor is right for you? Click here to learn more.
Approximately 54 percent of American adults have suffered from pain in their neck or back for up to five years. Do you suffer from chronic pain like this? Are you ready to seek professional help to try and overcome your pain? If you're not sure which type of back doctor you ought to see to help you with your pain, keep reading. Listed below are some options you may want to consider, along with tips on how to find the best doctor for your needs. Types of Back Doctors If you struggle with back pain, there are lots of different doctors you can visit. The following are some of the most popular options: General Practitioner A general practitioner is the starting point for a lot of people struggling with back pain. If your back pain is the result of an acute injury, your general practitioner may be able to prescribe medicine to help reduce inflammation and relieve your pain. They can also provide referrals to other practitioners with more specialized experience. Chiropractor One such practitioner to whom your general practitioner may refer you is a chiropractor. Chiropractors can help you find relief from back pain by manually adjusting the spine. By doing this, they promote proper alignment of the spine and help to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Exercise Therapist Exercise therapists help to correct muscle imbalances that may contribute to your back pain (as well as other types of bodily pain). They provide adjustments and treatments like massage therapy to balance out the body. They also teach you exercises you can do on your own to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones to bring the body into better alignment. Orthopedist An orthopedist is a board-certified surgeon. They specialize in musculoskeletal issues, including issues related to the spine such as ruptured discs and scoliosis. In cases where more conservative treatments haven't been effective, an orthopedist can perform surgical procedures that help to correct spinal problems and relieve pain. Neurologist If the cause of your back pain is a neurological issue, such as Parkinson's disease or a spinal cord disorder, you may need to seek treatment from a neurologist. They will assess your nerve function and may prescribe medication to help treat your problems. Some people may see a neurologist alongside more holistic practitioners like chiropractors. How to Choose the Right Back Doctor As you can see, there are a lot of different back doctors out there that can help you find relief from your back pain. In order to see results, though, you need to make sure you're choosing the right doctor for your specific needs. If you're not sure which kind of doctor you ought to visit, here are some questions you can ask yourself: How Long Have I Had This Pain? Start by asking yourself how long you've been in pain. If your pain is new or started after an injury like a fall, you may want to start by seeing your general practitioner. Once you've received some immediate treatment, you can then move on, if you (and/or your general practitioner) think it's necessary, to another back doctor who can provide more specialized care. If you're dealing with chronic back pain, you may still want to see your general practitioner for a referral. You can also look for a chiropractor or other specialist who doesn't require referrals and meet with them first. Am I an Athlete or Active Individual? For athletes and active individuals, conservative and non-invasive treatments provided by people like chiropractors and exercise therapists is a better starting point. These treatments don't come with any recovery times. This means you won't have to take time off from your sport or activity of choice (although, you may receive a recommendation to slow things down a little) while you work on healing your back pain. Do I Want Drug-Free Treatment? If you prefer drug-free treatment, a chiropractor or exercise therapist is a great person to start with. They don't use any kind of prescription medications in their treatment, although they may recommend certain natural supplements. Do I Want Non-Invasive Treatment? Most people don't want to jump to invasive treatments right away. Before they choose to undergo surgery, they prefer to start with simpler techniques like exercise or adjustments to try and correct their back pain in a natural way. Benefits of Working with a Chiropractor In many cases, a chiropractor is a great person to see if you're dealing with back pain, whether it's chronic or acute. Chiropractors can help athletes, gym-goers, and everyday folks who want to live their lives pain-free. They get to the root of what's causing your back pain and focus on correcting issues from the ground up. They also offer drug-free treatment and don't perform any kind of invasive procedures. If you aren't ready to undergo surgery for your back pain, or if you want to avoid relying on painkillers (many of which have harsh side effects and the potential to be habit-forming), a chiropractor is a good option to consider. Keep in mind, too, that many chiropractors work with other practitioners who can help you find further relief from your pain. For example, they may partner with a massage therapist or exercise therapist to help relieve tension and teach you exercises to correct poor movement patterns that contribute to your back pain. If you're interested in a holistic approach to back pain and spinal health, you definitely ought to start looking into chiropractic care. Get Help with Your Back Pain Today There are lots of different options you can choose from when you're looking for a back doctor. If you're struggling with chronic back pain or muscle imbalances, it's a good idea to reach out to a chiropractor. Look for one who can connect you with other pain management experts, too, such as massage therapists and exercise therapists. Do you want to work with a top-notch back doctor in the Grants Pass area? If so, contact us at Axis Health today. We don't require any referrals here, and we can provide you with same-day service, so you can start feeling better right away.
