What would a back doctor be called?

[sidmand]

I've finally concluded that I really need to see a doctor. My lower back hurts pretty much all the time but does get better or worse. Since DD I can turn and crack it (more one way than the other) and it never ever stop cracking. I'm not sure what it is and my primary care doctor wasn't much help (but I forgot to ask who would be). I tried a chiropractor and that didn't really help so now I think (hope!) a doctor might but I'm not sure where to start. DH found a list of doctors but they specialized in rheumatology. I'm not sure that's correct but maybe it is. Anyone know what kind of specialist I need to be seeing? I have a PPO so I can call them up myself and don't need my primary to refer me but I don't really know where to start.

Thanks for any help!

[BabyMine]

You can try a D.O. ( Dr of Osteopathy) http://www.mommd.com/whatisdo.shtml (http://www.mommd.com/whatisdo.shtml)
or a pain clinic. There is also acupuncture.

[jenfromnj]

An orthopedic surgeon? I know my dad went to an ortho with a sub-speciality of spinal surgery when he had back issues.

[o_mom]

I would actually start with your primary and have them prescribe PT if they don't find anything that they think needs a specialist. ETA: What did your primary say? I missed that you had seen them already. I would just be hesitant to jump to a surgeon as they tend to want to do surgery. Back surgery is not something to rush into, for sure.
ETA2: The other thing is that while your insurance may not require a referral, many specialists will not allow patients to self-refer, so you may have to go through your primary anyway.

[KpbS]

An orthopedist with spinal specialty or perhaps a neurosurgeon.

Hope you feel better soon :hug:

[brittone2]

I would actually start with your primary and have them prescribe PT if they don't find anything that they think needs a specialist. ETA: What did your primary say? I missed that you had seen them already. I would just be hesitant to jump to a surgeon as they tend to want to do surgery. Back surgery is not something to rush into, for sure.
And for many conditions the evidence shows PT to be more effective than back surgery. THe outcomes are often better when you look at the research.

I would also start with PT.

Sometimes you need a referral from your primary care doc depending on state laws and your insurance policy. In some states PTs offer direct access, meaning they can see you without a referral from primary care. Your insurance may require you get a referral from your primary care doc, however.

[cheri]

I would recommend that you see a physiatrist, a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move.

Most orthopedic surgeons do not want to see back pain patients. They generally prefer injuries that need surgery, and very little back pain needs surgery.

Physiatrists specialize in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal issues and usually work closely with physical therapists, but since they are physicians have the medical background to fully evaluate your problem and prescribe medications if necessary.

You can find a physiatrist at www.aapmr.org (the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation website).

[crl]

A rheumatologist is actually a reasonable choice for joint pain. And they don't tend to want to cut so that's where my mother, the nurse, likes to start. ;). An orthopedist is also a reasonable choice and ime they are quicker to prescribe physical therapy, which is what really helped me with neck (and knee) issues.

I think you could call your primary and talk to the nurse about getting a referral.

Catherine

[AnnieW625]

back surgeons are usually called spine specialists in my line of work (workers comp.), and they are usually associated an orthopedic group, sports medicine, or are in their own practice.

You are going to get various recommendations here, but I think starting with your primary doctor might be the way to start. A rhuematologist might make the most sense though.

Have you considered yoga? I have a bad back (due to sliding down a black diamond ski run when I was 17), but have never had therapy, accupuncture, or chiropractic treatment for it. I started doing yoga in my early 20s and it helps a lot.

[billysmommy]

Debbie,

I'd give a call to one of the Spine Centers in the area. There is one at Newton Wellesley, New England Baptist and Beth Israel. They are multi-disciplinary clinics and have radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors), physical therapists, anesthesiologists and other specialists.

I used to work for the Spine Center at the Baptist and we now work regularly with some of the Drs at the one at Newton Wellesley. Feel free to pm or email me with any questions.

[KLD313]

I would see an Orthopedic Dr. Not surgeon because they just want to operate where an Orthopedist may send you for PT.

[TxCat]

I would recommend that you see a physiatrist, a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move.

Most orthopedic surgeons do not want to see back pain patients. They generally prefer injuries that need surgery, and very little back pain needs surgery.

Physiatrists specialize in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal issues and usually work closely with physical therapists, but since they are physicians have the medical background to fully evaluate your problem and prescribe medications if necessary.

You can find a physiatrist at www.aapmr.org (the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation website).

:yeahthat:

Low back pain is so difficult to treat, but majority of the time it does not require invasive treatment such as surgery or steroid injections (watch out for pain specialists - some of them can be very... unethical in their practice). A long course of PT and exercise is often the best course of treatment. That being said, you still need someone to evaluate your specific situation. Wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation of seeing a physiatrist/PM&R specialist or seeing your PCP and asking them about a referral to PM&R. Good luck.

[sidmand]

Thanks everyone. I'm definitely not looking for surgery and don't think I need it (DH and SIL both have had back surgery). But those were all great suggestions I will look into.

And Lori, I may be PMing you...it just takes me a lot longer to get anything done nowadays, particularly if it's for me. :(

[mackmama]

I'd suggest an orthopedist who specializes in the spine or a physiatrist.