Many different types of health care providers can provide care for spine injuries and congenital deformities. While primary care providers can provide basic level of conventional care for spinal conditions, spine surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, neurologists and pain management specialists can provide care as well. A primary care physician can help a patient find the best type of spine specialist for the clinical situation.
Adult Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Adult orthopedic spine surgeons can treat a wide variety of conditions related to the spine. Some common conditions treated include fractures of the spine, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and deformities, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These surgeons complete a full orthopedic surgery residency followed by a spine surgery fellowship.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Pediatric orthopaedic spine surgeons specialize in the care of children. The common conditions that these surgeons treat include scoliosis, kyphosis and other disorders of abnormal development of the spine, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons complete a surgery residency followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery in which they master the skills required for treating pediatric spine conditions.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons complete a residency in neurosurgery after medical school, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Some neurosurgeons complete a post-residency fellowship as well which can include specialized training in spine surgery.
