How to choose the right doctor for your back and neck pain

Whether you're struggling to bend down and pick up your grandkids or are having a hard time turning your head to merge into oncoming traffic, back and neck pain can significantly impact your daily life.

Sometimes, you can treat your symptoms at home. But it's important to know when to seek the right help in order to effectively manage and treat your symptoms.

Understanding back and neck pain

Back and neck pain can be caused by poor posture, injuries or stress. If you've injured or strained your back or neck, you'll notice symptoms like stiffness, radiating pain or limited motion.

The pain can vary from dull and persistent to sharp and sudden, impacting daily tasks. Common causes can include muscle strains and arthritis.

Identifying symptoms early can help you get a start on treatment before pain increases. You can first try treatments at home, but you should reach out to a doctor if home remedies don't help.

Common diagnoses for back and neck pain

When it comes to back and neck pain, muscle strains and sprains are frequent culprits, often resulting from overuse, improper lifting or sudden movements.

"Degenerative disc disease is another typical diagnosis, especially as we age; it involves the gradual wear and tear of these discs, causing chronic pain and stiffness," says Michael R. Murray, MD, a spine surgeon at Main Line Health. "Conditions like spinal stenosis, where the spaces within your spine narrow and put pressure on your nerves, can also lead to significant discomfort."

Additionally, you may hear about spondylolisthesis, which happens when a vertebra slips out of place, often causing lower back pain and nerve issues.

Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, can also affect the spine, leading to inflammation and pain in the joints.

At-home treatments for back and neck pain

To manage back and neck pain, there are a few things you can first try at home:

• Avoid aggravating activities
• Use ice and heat therapy
• Take pain relievers
• Do gentle stretching and low-impact exercises
• Maintain good posture

These steps can help reduce inflammation, soothe sore muscles, improve flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles, ultimately managing discomfort effectively. If these methods don't work, there are both surgical and nonsurgical options you can discuss with your doctor.

Non-surgical treatments for back and pain

There are many options for treating back and neck pain. The specific plan will depend on the severity and underlying cause of your condition.

Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense and can be highly effective. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve flexibility and reduce pain.

Your primary care doctor may also recommend medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

If the above treatment options are not helpful, your primary care physician may refer you to a pain management physician. They may help by prescribing medications like muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories or mediations designed to specifically treat nerve pain. In some cases, a pain management physician my recommend spinal injections, including epidural injections to provide longer-lasting relief.

Surgical treatments for back and neck pain

For pain that is localized to the neck or lower back, surgery generally is not recommended. However, if you have pain that shoots down an arm or leg, this could mean that a nerve is being compressed within the spine. When a pinched nerve does not respond to non-surgical treatment, surgery may be an option.

Depending on the specific problem, a pinched nerve in the lower back could be treated by procedures such as a microdiscectomy or a laminectomy. However, in more complex situations, a spinal fusion may be necessary.

For a pinched nerve in the neck, it's much more common to perform a fusion surgery. However, for some younger patients, an artificial disc may be an option.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, taking into account factors like the specific diagnosis, overall health and lifestyle. Working closely with your healthcare provider ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your back and neck pain.

Reaching out to your doctor for treatment

Your primary care doctor is the first person you see when you have ongoing back or neck pain. They will initiate treatment that may include physical therapy or getting X-rays or MRIs to understand what is happening. They'll also talk to you about your symptoms, medical history and recent activities that could be causing the pain.

"A coordinated approach ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs. By starting with your primary care physician, you lay a solid foundation for a successful treatment journey," says Dr. Murray.

Your primary care doctor may refer you to different specialists, depending on your condition and symptoms. These can include, but are not limited to, specialists in:

• Pain management (anesthesiologist or physical medicine and rehabilitation physician): Pain management providers utilizes non-surgical methods to reduce pain, including opioid sparing medication management, injections and more.
• Neurosurgery: Neurosurgeons can treat complex or routine spine and nervous system conditions.
• Orthopaedics: Similar to neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons also treat basic and complex issues with the spine.

It's important to note that despite different training, neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons often perform the same surgeries.

Taking charge of your health means seeking help early and considering all available options. Remember, if you're struggling with back and neck pain there are many ways to find relief. Starting with simple home remedies can offer quick comfort and help you feel more in control, and your doctor can help identify the source of your pain and recommend further treatment if necessary.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Michael R. Murray, MD
Learn more about spine care at Main Line Health
When and why you need a second opinion for spine surgery