Should I go to a neurologist or orthopedist for back pain?

While an orthopedic doctor may work with injuries like broken bones, a neurologist is more likely to treat spinal injuries that may require surgery. In fact, only neurologists have the skill and ability to perform surgery in specific areas of the spine like the dura.

Should I see a neurologist or orthopedist for sciatica?

Since sciatica is a nerve disorder, involving a neurologist in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition is beneficial. When conservative methods fail to relieve pain symptoms, a patient may be referred to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon.

Does neurologist treat spine?

What Does a Neurologist Do? Neurology is a medical specialty that more precisely diagnoses and treats problems of the central nervous system composed of the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. A neurologist focuses on treating conditions affecting the entire central nervous system.

What does a neurologist do for spinal stenosis?

Neurology. Neurologists specialize in disorders and issues related to the nervous system, including the spine. A neurologist’s expertise will be able to pinpoint what is causing pain and discomfort from spinal stenosis, which is often due to compression of or damage to the spine’s nerve roots or cord.

Do neurologists treat pinched nerves?

If your primary care doctor is unable to diagnose the pinched nerve, you may need to see a neurologist or orthopedist.

Should I see a neurologist for spinal stenosis?

If your primary care doctor thinks you have spinal stenosis, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system (neurologist). Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also need to see a spinal surgeon (neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon).

How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

Frequently the neurologist will recommend electrodiagnostic testing to measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. If necessary, the neurologist may also recommend a nerve biopsy, a spinal tap or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Does a neurologist deal with nerve pain?

You have neuropathic pain. You may also have neuropathic pain from damage to your brain or spinal cord. This type of pain can occur after a stroke. Neuropathic pain does not get better with common pain medicine. A neurologist can help you find the best treatment.

What kind of doctors treat spinal problems?

A spine specialist is a health professional who focuses mainly on treating spine conditions. Common specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and many rheumatologists and neurologists.

Should you see a neurologist for spinal stenosis?

Should I see a neurologist or orthopedic doctor for spinal problems?

Although a neurologist may be able to give you the correct diagnosis, many neurological problems related to the spine end up needing some kind of surgical intervention which a neurologist will not be able to carry out. So best is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in treatment of spinal problems.

Can a neurosurgeon specialize in spine surgery?

Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons can Specialize in Spine Surgery. Many years ago, neurosurgeons were primarily responsible for spine surgery, but in the past 20 to 25 years spine surgery has evolved so that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons specialize in spine surgery, and for most of the typical spine operations both types of

Can a neurologist help with back pain?

However, despite all their schooling and knowledge, most neurologists do not actively treat pain, unless they are neurosurgeons, or also offer pain management services, which is typically a completely independent field in the modern back pain treatment sector.

Are neurosurgeons trained in orthopedic surgery?

Today many neurosurgeons have been trained in deformity surgery. Neurosurgeons tend to be more qualified to perform intradural surgery (surgery inside of the dura in the spinal cord), such as thecal sac tumors. Both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons may extend their training after residency by completing a spine fellowship program.