Male orthopedist examining patient's back in clinic
You’ve been working in an office for the past few years. It involved sitting in a place for a long time. Or your spine got injured during a sports injury. Or you’re a senior citizen who’s suffering from spinal degeneration. It all ended up in annoying back pain. You aren’t alone!
An orthopedic spine surgeon might be the one you’re looking for. These are the medical professionals who are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related issues. But visiting a spine surgeon, does it mean a spine surgery? Or when do I need to see an orthopedic surgeon near me? What to expect from a spine surgeon visit? Let’s dive in and explore how it’s beneficial for you to visit an orthopedic spine surgeon!
Who Is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?
The experts who can diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues. They can spot the root cause of spine problems that don’t heal on their own. Depending on the intensity and cause of pain, they offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
So visiting an orthopedic spine surgeon doesn’t always refer to a spine surgery. They help you ease your spine pain and regain mobility. They provide you with the care your spine needs.
Why Orthopedic Spine over Other Spine Care Options?
Like the brain and heart, the spine is an integral part of our body. After all, it gives the support we need to make all kinds of movements. From running to lying down, we won’t be able to do anything if our spine experiences pain or distress. So, we need to take special care of our spine. If you feel there’s an issue, don’t wait at all – consult a professional as early as you can.
Let’s break it down and see how it’s worth it to seek help from an orthopedic surgeon:
| Orthopedic Spine Surgeon | General Physician |
| Specializes in spine problems | Offers general consultation |
| Can offer surgery if needed | Can’t perform surgery |
| Offers long-term solutions | May only offer short-term relief |
Thus, an orthopedic surgeon is always worth visiting when you feel back pain. It ensures you get the right treatment and the care you need.
What To Expect From a Visit To a Spine Surgeon?
A visit to a spine surgeon starts with your medical history. It is then followed by a complete physical examination. It may include X-Ray, MRI, or some blood test reports that ease the diagnosis of the root cause of the pain.
Depending on the diagnosis, the surgeon starts developing a customized plan based on your needs. It may include physical stretches and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Depending on the severity of pain, some medicines may be prescribed. These may include anti-inflammatory medicines or injections to reduce pain.
As a last resort, you may need to undergo surgery, depending on your spine issue. Usually, it’s minimally invasive, which involves reduced bed rest and a fast recovery.
Common Signs You Should See a Spine Surgeon
You do not always need to see a spine surgeon. Sometimes, simple physical exercise relieves you of the pain. But if the pain persists for more than 4 weeks, searching for an orthopedic spine surgeon near me can help you. Let’s take a look at a few symptoms that need to visit a spine surgeon!
| Warning Sign | What It Might Mean |
| Constant pain lasting over 4 weeks | Possibly a herniated disc or spinal stenosis |
| Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs | Nerve compression or damage |
| Trouble walking or keeping balance | Spine misalignment or disc issues |
| Sharp pain that moves down your leg | Sciatica or nerve pressure |
| Back pain with weakness in the muscles | Spinal cord compression |
A Spinal Injury Leading To Surgery
Meet my next-door neighbour, Peter, who is working for a construction company. One day, he met with an accident at the construction site and injured his back. The injury was not severe as he was able to walk. So, he consulted a physician. He recommended he to take bed rest with a few painkillers. He was on bed rest for more than 3 weeks, but there was no permanent pain relief.
Finally, he decided to consult an expert. He searched for an ortho surgeon for spinal conditions and booked an appointment. The surgeon diagnosed Spondylolysis. A condition that occurs due to a fracture in a particular vertebra. He went through surgery, and after a few weeks of required rest, he was back at work.
How to Find the Right Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Near Me
Are you searching for the best orthopedic spine surgeon near me? But with too many available options, it could be overwhelming to pick the best. Thus, before making an appointment, look for the following checkpoints
- Board-certified and experienced
- Specializes in spine conditions like yours
- Has positive reviews or is recommended by your doctor
- Takes time to explain things and makes you feel heard
- Works at a reputable clinic or hospital
Final Thoughts
We can not treat spine pain like pain in any other part of the body. It is because it not only helps us stay upright but also helps in all kinds of movements. So, ignoring a spine issue may lead to a bigger problem. Minor issues like poor posture can be treated by adopting a healthy lifestyle. But if the pain persists after taking basic meds and physical therapy, you need expert help.
Searching for an orthopedic spine surgeon doesn’t mean going through surgery right away. Rather, it ensures you get the right diagnosis and thus the best treatment and care you need.
