Whether you are sitting, standing, walking, or even lying down, back pain 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.
What Do They Do?
A neurologist 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.
An orthopedist’s 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.
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.
Deciding Which Doctor to Visit
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:
- You were recently injured, perhaps in a car accident, fall, or sporting mishap.
- You have chronic back pain.
- You are struggling with limited movement due to back pain.
- You have pain that radiates down your leg without significant neurological symptoms.
- You know that your pain is related to your muscles, bones, and surrounding soft tissues.
If necessary, your orthopedist can refer you to a neurologist for portions of your treatment that deal exclusively with your central nervous system.
On the other hand, your first stop might need to be a neurologist if you are experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs, or bowel or bladder dysfunction along with your back pain.
Deciding which type of doctor to visit is not always easy! Whichever type of specialist you visit, hopefully you will soon be on your way to pain relief and an improved quality of life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland is an experienced orthopedic physician who has completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship and is considered a leader in the field of regenerative medicine. He and our team offer a range of non-surgical treatment options for various types of back pain. If your pain is interfering with your daily life, we are ready to assess the details of your situation and provide personalized guidance on your next steps. Contact Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine in Glastonbury at 860-430-9690.