Should i see an orthopedist for back pain

Back pain is a fairly common occurrence, especially among active adults and the elderly. The pain can come and go, or it may persist. Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether it warrants medical attention. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide when to see an orthopedic doctor. X-ray — This imaging technique identifies broken bones and injured vertebra. It can also reveal structural and vertebral misalignments or fractures.

Computerized tomography CT — This imaging helps orthopedic surgeons identify soft tissue damage that may be causing your pain. CT can reveal bulging discs, spinal stenosis, disc ruptures, tumors, and other health conditions. Myelograms — These enhance the x-ray and CT scan images. Technicians inject a contrast dye into the spine, allowing any spinal and nerve compression to be seen on other examinations.

Discography — Surgeons use these diagnostic procedures when other test fails to find the cause of lower back pain. Doctors inject a contrast dye into the spinal area where the lower back issue exists.

The fluid pressure will reproduce the symptoms to identify the damaged discs. The information helps patients who require lumbar surgery after conventional treatments have failed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI — Physicians use a magnetic force to produce images of soft tissue, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. Electrodiagnostic — These procedures include electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and evoked potential studies.

They can detect muscle weaknesses resulting from nerve issues. Bone scans — Orthopedist use bone scans to detect and monitor infections, orthopedic disorders, and fractures.

Doctors inject a tiny amount of radioactive material and allow it to collect in the bones. Afterward, they photograph images to identify any bone metabolism irregularities. Ultrasound Sonography — The test uses high-frequency sound waves to image the inside of the body.

This test can show ligament, muscle, and tendon tears. Blood tests — The screenings can identify infection, inflammation, and arthritis. Non-Surgical Treatments Orthopedic Surgery Your orthopedic surgeon may offer several non-surgical treatments to alleviate your pain, before recommending surgical options. They include the following: Nerve block therapies — An orthopedic doctor can use local anesthetics, botulinum toxins, or steroids to block nerve pain. They must know how to identify and treat the right nerves.

Additionally, physicians may inject low doses of pain relievers using a catheter to block, nerve pain. Epidural steroid injections — Orthopedic surgeons use this short-term treatment option to relieve sciatica-related, low-back pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS — Battery-powered electrodes generate impulses that block pain peripheral nerves pain. Recent studies have shown TENS produces mixed results. Surgical Treatment Options An orthopedic doctor will consider surgery when other treatments fail to relieve pain.

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty — Orthopedic surgeons use this minimally invasive procedure to treat compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. Once the material hardens, it relieves pain and stabilizes the area. Surgeons prepare patients for vertebroplasties using kyphoplasty. Spinal decompression laminectomy — Specialists perform this operation to treat spinal stenosis. They remove any bone spurs and portions of the vertebral walls lamina.

Decompression relieves spinal column pressure. During a microdiscectomy, doctors eliminate the herniation disc using a small back incision. Laminectomies and discectomies are usually performed together. Foraminotomy — Bulging discs can narrow the spinal cord. This inflammation causes pain, numbness, and limb weakness. Physicians widen the bony hole foramen where the nerve root leaves the spinal canal to relieve pressure.

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy — IDET treats bulging and cracked discs caused by degenerative disc disease. Doctors insert a catheter through an incision into the damaged area. They pass a wire through it, then apply a heated, electrical current. The procedure strengthens collagen fibers, reduces bulging, and decreases spinal irritation. Researchers are still assessing the efficacy of IDET. Nucleoplasty, or plasma disc decompression PPD — Orthopedic surgeons use radiofrequency to treat herniated discs.

They insert a heated needle to guide a plasma laser into the area. The laser vaporizes damaged disc tissue and reduces nerve pressure and inflammation. Specialists use x-rays to identify specific nerves, then apply a local anesthetic to identify the ones causing pain.

Falls, accidents, blows, and diseases can cause these injuries. Repetitive movements can also trigger musculoskeletal pain.

In previous centuries, orthopedists only worked with children who had spinal deformities. The profession expanded, and soon orthopedists began treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Today, orthopedic surgeons see patients of all ages.

According to the U. National Library of Medicine, orthopedic surgeons receive five more years of training to master this field. They learn operative and non-operative techniques to manage musculoskeletal disorders.

These physicians may receive another two years of training if they want to enter sports medicine. Orthopedists can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. Many of these physicians practice general orthopedics however, some specialize in a specific medical area.

These include the following specialties. They may consult with other professionals including neurologists, pain specialists, psychiatrists, chiropractors, and your primary care doctor. Other health professionals can include athletic trainers, counselors, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists. People ask if they should visit their primary doctor first before consulting with an orthopedic surgeon.

Many insurance companies require patients to see their primary care physician before seeing a specialist.