Back pain can be caused by a range of injuries or conditions. If it doesn’t respond to rest and at-home spine care treatments, a visit to your local back clinic may help you find pain relief sooner. The first step is to visit your primary care doctor, who will advise whether you should see a specialist.
Our spine doctors have extensive education and training in evaluating, diagnosing and treating back pain. They may use a variety of tests to evaluate your symptoms, including an MRI or CT scan of your spine or pelvis, to understand the underlying cause of your pain.
During your appointment, your spine specialist will create an initial treatment plan to begin working on managing your pain symptoms. They will take into account the results of your MRI or CT scan, any medical history you provide, and your response to past treatments.
If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work, your spine specialist may prescribe stronger NSAIDs. They will also start you with nonsurgical techniques to manage your pain, including physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
If you have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of spaces in the spine), or a pinched nerve, your spine specialist can perform surgery to remove pressure from the nerves. They can also perform laminectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the boney plate on the back of the vertebra where the spinal cord is located. If your spine has a curve like scoliosis, they can also recommend bracing and physical therapy.