![]() Physiatrists are fully focused on diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal (muscle and bone) issues, so they may have more specialized knowledge than a PCP. “A physiatrist is the primary care doctor of the back,” he explains. Dowdell suggests visiting a physiatrist as your first step. Unless you need to see a primary care provider for a referral, Dr. Here’s where he suggests you start, what to expect.and what may happen next if your pain doesn’t go away. Dowdell, is which type of doctor to approach first. The one thing that’s the same for nearly everyone, says Dr. (Of course, if you hurt your back in an accident or fall, seek emergency care, especially if it affects your control over your bowels or bladder.) If you wind up straining your lower back (say, lifting heavy boxes), you may be able to treat it at home with rest, stretching, ice or heat, and anti-inflammatories. Ultimately, some types of back pain can be helped with surgery, and some can’t.”įor example, a herniated disc (when the tissue between vertebrae moves out of place) may be helped with surgery, while arthritis of the spine (a breakdown of cartilage between the vertebrae) is often managed with physical therapy, exercise and anti-inflammatory medications. ![]() “How it can be treated depends on what’s causing it. “There are so many variables when it comes to back pain,” he says. Not only is spine surgery not always necessary for treating back pain, sometimes it’s not even helpful. Dowdell would like to put your mind at ease. If you’re in this group and you’ve been avoiding seeking relief (maybe because you want to avoid back surgery), Dr.
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