The back is a complicated section of the body, consisting of a combination of bones, muscle, and nerves. Because the spinal cord runs through the back, relatively minor problems can cause severe pain and other symptoms, such as numbness and poor muscle control. There are a number of different medical specialties for which a physician can train to be a back specialist.
General Practitioners
A variety of disorders cause back pain. Diagnosing back problems can require a diverse knowledge of medicine. Many back specialists are general practitioners, also known as family doctors, who have learned about back disorders and are adept at diagnosing and treating back problems. Even if these doctors do not treat every patient, they can refer patients to the appropriate specialist.
Orthopedists
Orthopedists are surgical specialists that treat bone disorders. Many back specialists are orthopedists because of the critical role of bones in the back. The spinal cord is protected and supported by bones, called vertebrae. Some types of back disorders are caused by vertebral problems, such as spondylolysis, which is a small crack in a vertebra. These types of problems often require surgical treatment.
Neurologists
Because many kinds of back problems are related to the spinal cord, a neurologist may also be a back specialist. Neurologists can treat problems related to the spinal cord or other nerves using either surgical or non-surgical methods, such as a nerve block.
Physiatrists
Physiatrists are rehabilitation specialists and may also specialize in back injuries. These specialists are trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation and are able to treat bone, nerve and muscle problems. Physiatrists typically work with nonsurgical techniques to help decrease pain and improve performance.
