Over 142,000 back injuries were reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018. This spine crippling number is likely not all of the back injuries caused by work incidents, because people don’t always file for workers’ compensation.
A back injury can affect the ability to work and quality of life. Being in pain from such a crucial part of the body can really slow you down.
Do you know when to see a doctor for back pain? That large number did in 2018, but in 2020, if a back injury occurs, especially at work, seeking the right kind of back pain doctor to help is crucial in getting treated well again.
Do You Know When to See A Doctor for Back Pain?
Back pain comes in many forms from a dull ache to a sharp pain that never goes away. Making sure to get it addressed when it interferes with activities is important.
If the back pain begins with a traumatic event, like back pain from a car accident, workers’ comp injury, t is easy to trace. Injuries from an accident should be checked out as soon as you are able.
If it has grown to the point of being connected with a fever, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. A fever is a flag that your body is fighting an infection internally.
Many of our readers are asking “What doctor to see for back pain?”. Here are four types of doctors that can help you on your road to recovery and getting your life back.
Chiropractor
A spine specialist in hands-on adjustments and realignments of the spinal cord. A chiropractor is often one of the first caregivers that patients will see.
Chiropractic physicians typically require x-rays first to see where care is needed. Then a chiropractor will address those areas of the back where the spine is out of alignment and needs to be loosened up.
Neurologists
This specialist focuses on the nervous system and pain—especially long-lasting, chronic pain. Working with a neurologist can help you narrow down what medications will work best for you.
Your neurologist might perform diagnostic testing like EMG/NCV or send you for an MRI. You’ll receive the right long-term prescriptions for your condition and relief from pain.
Orthopedic Doctors
Not just a back doctor, an orthopedist deals with the entire musculoskeletal system.
Your back has many large muscles and ligaments as well as lots of contributing members of the skeletal system—so a large part of orthopedists’ focus is there.
Orthopedists can address issues through orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and prescribing medicine.
If your back pain results from muscle or ligament damage, an orthopedic doctor might be the right doctor for you to see for back pain.
Physiatrist
A physiatrist is a great option as a back pain doctor, especially when you are recovering from a traumatic injury or disability.
They do many of the things a physical therapist does, but a physiatrist is a doctor who has attended medical school and can do even more for you.
Physiatrists tend to look for non-surgical solutions to patients’ problems. They can also prescribe medications.
One benefit of receiving your care from one of these medical professionals is they are adept at coordinating a total care program between each of a patient’s specialists tailored to the individual.
When Back Pain Becomes Big Pain
Chronic pain, that lasts for longer than six weeks, is also something to get checked by a doctor. This can denote a small injury, poor posture, ill-fitted equipment that one is working with.
It can also be an individual pushing through a larger injury that can lead to a worse situation later on.
Other things to watch for with back pain is if other things begin to appear with it. Tingling or numbness can be signs of pinched or injured nerves or muscles.
Unexpected or unexplained weight loss, or trouble sleeping, are symptoms that may require a doctor’s expertise.
Did the Back Injury Originate From Work?
If you are injured at work, you should report your injury and immediately find a workers’ compensation doctor. This helps to establish that the injury and your job are connected quickly.
However, not all injuries will show themselves immediately. As soon as the connection is apparent, it’s time to report the injury and find a doctor.
Finding a workers’ compensation doctor can help get an initial diagnosis. Second opinions and follow up appointment guide an injured worker to the right kind of specialist for their back injury.
Do you know when to see a doctor for back pain? If the back pain is getting in the way of living normally, it is time to start seeking answers from a doctor.
Get Back Pain Relief Now
Now you know what kind of doctor for back pain is best for you, but there’s still more you can do.
For additional suggestions on how you can receive relief from back pain caused by accident, or to look into your options for seeking treatment from some of the medical professionals listed above, read some of our other articles.
Call (888) 590-4030 to find an experienced back pain specialist near you and get relief now.