Your back hurts and you think it’s time to see a doctor. What do you do now? There are several types of doctors who can help patients with spine conditions like extruded discs, so picking the right one can be tricky. To help clear the confusion, let’s review the qualifications and specialties of doctors who commonly address these problems.

What doctors treat disc extrusion?

The symptoms of an extruded disc (pain, stiffness and numbness in the neck or back) are shared by a variety of other spine conditions, so don’t choose a doctor based on a self-diagnosis. Instead, focus on your symptoms. There are several types of doctors who see patients with neck and back pain, including:

• Primary care physicians. As their title suggests, these doctors are a patient’s first source of care when symptoms develop. If a patient’s condition extends beyond his or her expertise, then this physician will recommend them to the appropriate medical specialist.
• Orthopedists. An orthopedist is a medical doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions that impact the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones and cartilage in the spine.
• Neurologists. Extruded discs oftentimes compress nearby spinal nerve roots, which can trigger a variety of neuropathic symptoms that warrant the expertise of a neurologist. This type of medical doctor is specially trained to help patients with nervous system disorders and may work hand-in-hand with an orthopedist or primary care physician to help relieve a patient’s neck or back pain.

Several other medical professionals may collaborate with these doctors to oversee certain aspects of care. For example, when receiving disc extrusion treatment from a doctor, you may also work with a physical therapist, chiropractor or occupational therapist.

If you are experiencing neck or back pain, then it’s best to consult with a primary care physician or an orthopedist. Once your condition has been evaluated, your doctor will be able to provide appropriate treatment or direct you to a specialist who can.

Extruded disc treatment at USA Spine Care

Many patients are able to effectively manage their extruded disc symptoms with a combination of conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle choices. However, some individuals may require surgical care. If your discomfort does not respond to conservative approaches, then USA Spine Care’s minimally invasive outpatient procedures may be right for you.

Contact USA Spine Care to receive more information about our advanced procedures. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free MRI review* to discover if you are a candidate for treatment.

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