Should I go to a neurologist or orthopedist for back pain?

While an orthopedic doctor may work with injuries like broken bones, a neurologist is more likely to treat spinal injuries that may require surgery. In fact, only neurologists have the skill and ability to perform surgery in specific areas of the spine like the dura.

What can a neurologist do for back pain?

The doctor will often recommend physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and rest. Neurologists also encourage techniques like chiropractic care or biofeedback therapy. If the pain persists, medication, and steroid injections come next. With consistent work, acute back pain can clear up.

Should I see a neurologist or orthopedist for herniated disc?

If you suffer from a spinal condition such as disc herniation or degeneration, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other types of spinal injuries or pain, both a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor are equipped to treat these spinal conditions.

Should you see a neurologist or orthopedist for a pinched nerve?

It is recommended you see a board-certified neurologist if you suspect you have a pinched nerve. Your neurologist can relieve numbness and tingling by reducing the pressure on your nerves using one of the many neuropathy treatment options available.

Should I see a neurologist or orthopedist for sciatica?

If you or a loved one is suffering from sciatic nerve pain, you need a reputable, board-certified, and fellowship-trained orthopedist who can educate you about your options.

Neurologist for Back Pain

Will sciatica show on MRI?

An MRI of the lumbar spine will show many causes of low back pain and sciatica, including disc herniations, facet arthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Digital x-rays and CT scans may also be used to diagnose the cause of sciatica.

Who is the best professional to see for sciatica?

Neurology. Neurology specialists are experts at understanding and navigating treatments for the nervous system. Sciatica is a nerve-related condition, making a neurologist a go-to specialist to visit when getting to the root of sciatica symptoms.

Do pinched nerves show up on MRI?

MRI. MRIs create images using a radiofrequency magnetic field, a technique that clearly shows pinched nerves, disc disease, and inflammation or infections in the spinal tissues. MRI is usually the preferred imaging for pinched nerves.

What kind of doctor should I see for a pinched nerve in my back?

Treating a Pinched Nerve

If you believe you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, you should always visit an orthopedic surgeon near you to ensure that is the problem and rule out any more serious spinal issues. These doctor visits can also help determine if a more chronic ailment, like spinal arthritis, is to blame.

Can a neurologist tell if you have a pinched nerve?

To determine whether you have a pinched nerve or something else, speak with a primary care doctor, neurologist or neurosurgeon. The doctor will ask you questions about your pain and medical history, and do a physical examination to determine if you have a pinched nerve or another issue.

Should I see an orthopedist for lower back pain?

If you are experiencing back pain, it's best to see an orthopedic physician for diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, back pain doesn't just go away on its own. There is often an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Who is the best doctor to see for herniated disc?

Herniated discs are quite common and do not always need treatment. Most of the time they can be healed by rest; however, if symptoms persist, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in spine surgery.

What does a ruptured disc feel like in lower back?

Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

Is back pain considered neurological?

Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, second only to headache. Fortunately, most occurrences of LBP go away within a few days. However, others can take much longer to resolve or may lead to more serious conditions. Learn more about the causes of low back pain.

What are 4 conditions that neurologist work with?

Neurological disabilities include a wide range of disorders, such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy, just to name a few.

What are signs that you need to see a neurologist?

What will orthopedic doctor do for pinched nerve?

The most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area.

What happens if pinched nerve in back goes untreated?

Without proper treatment, a pinched nerve can develop into more serious conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or disc degeneration. You may also have general illness and chronic pain as a result of an untreated pinched nerve.

Can an orthopedic doctor diagnose a pinched nerve?

If your primary care doctor is unable to diagnose the pinched nerve, you may need to see a neurologist or orthopedist.

Can MRI rule out nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.

Will an MRI show a pinched nerve in the lower back?

Neck or low back pain that radiates into your arms or legs is often a sign of impingement or pinching of a nerve as it emerges from your spinal cord. An MRI may be able help identify structural lesions that may be pressing against the nerve so the problem can be corrected before permanent nerve damage occurs.

How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

Electromyography, or EMG, is used to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders, spinal nerve root compression, and motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMG records the electrical activity in the muscles. Muscles develop abnormal electrical signals when there is nerve or muscle damage.

What will a neurologist do for sciatica?

Neurologists treat sciatica patients initially with pain medication and physiotherapy, followed by epidural steroid injections and referral for surgery if patients fail to respond to conservative treatment.

When should I see a neurologist for sciatica?

If you continue to have pain and problems with movement after a few days of self-care, or if your symptoms get worse rather than better, it's time to see a doctor for sciatica treatment. You should seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you experience: Loss of leg movement or sensation.

Can a chiropractor fix sciatica?

While sciatica pain can be debilitating, chiropractic treatment can relieve it gently and naturally. This care entails treating the pain without costly and harmful side effects.