{"id":201,"date":"2024-10-15T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T15:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valleysportsphysicians.com\/blog\/?p=201"},"modified":"2024-11-15T15:07:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T15:07:33","slug":"back-pain-neurologist-or-orthopedist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.valleysportsphysicians.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/15\/back-pain-neurologist-or-orthopedist\/","title":{"rendered":"I Have Back Pain \u2014 Should I See a Neurologist or Orthopedist?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you are sitting, standing, walking, or even lying down, back pain<\/a> can make everything more difficult. It can slow down your life and frustrate all your plans! Certainly, if you are dealing with persistent pain, you should seek professional medical care. But which type of doctor should you see? Either a neurologist or orthopedist might be able to help. This blog post explores some differences between these two types of specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Do They Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A neurologist <\/strong>focuses on diagnosing and treating problems of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. They often treat issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An orthopedist\u2019s <\/strong>area of expertise is the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, and soft tissues that are critical for mobility and strength. They frequently help patients to deal with issues like arthritis, muscle strains and sprains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, scoliosis, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have noticed some crossover between what these two types of doctors do. Indeed, you may find good results by visiting either one. However, some situations are better suited to one or the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding Which Doctor to Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on your symptoms, your primary care practitioner may refer you to the type of specialist that they believe is best for your unique set of symptoms. Generally speaking, it is best to visit an orthopedist if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n