A spine specialist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of spinal problems. Chiropractors, physical therapists, physiatrists, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, pain management physicians, and a wide range of neurologists and rheumatologists are among the most common specialists.
The sort of health professional—or team of professionals—that is best suited for a patient is primarily determined by the kind, intensity, and duration of their symptoms.
Seeking the Advice of a Spine Specialist
Back and neck discomfort is the most common cause for seeking medical help. Back pain is a one-time annoyance for some people, while others experience episodic spine disorders throughout their lives.
Back or neck discomfort will impact around 80% of the population in the United States at some point. As the population as a whole age, this figure is likely to rise. Pain is frequently accompanied by additional symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “magic bullet” for delaying the onset of old age. In medicine and the health sciences, however, significant progress has been achieved in extending life expectancy and improving quality of life.
When back or neck discomfort occurs, it’s a good idea to consult a spine specialist in Tampa. The majority of patients are referred to a trained spine specialist by their primary care physician or another treatment practitioner.
Surgeons of the back and neck
Orthopaedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons are doctors who have undergone additional years of medical school to diagnose and treat spinal diseases. These experts frequently have additional training, such as a fellowship in spine care.
Scoliosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, trauma, spinal stenosis, deformity, tumour, vertebral fracture, congenital anomalies, and infection are all examples of spinal problems.
Schedule a meeting getting ready
A visit to a spine specialist is comparable to seeing a primary care physician (PCP), with the exception that the focus is on the spine. Physical and neurological examinations, as well as a discussion of the patient’s medical history and present symptoms, are all part of the consultation. To assist patients in planning, the following ideas are provided:
1.Make a list of your medical history, family history, and any medications, including OTC, vitamins, and herbs. Allergies and adverse effects from drugs taken in the past should be included.
2.Make a list of all your symptoms. Describe the sort of pain you’re experiencing, where it’s coming from, when it started, and what you’re doing to make it worse or better.
3.Bring a copy of any diagnostic test or study findings that have been reported. Bring the original x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other imaging studies/film if feasible.
4.Make a list of other medical specialists or practitioners who are presently treating or have treated the disease, together with their names and contact information.
5. Make a list of any worries or questions you have.
6.Bring a second pair of ears to the consultation, such as a family member or a friend.
What to Anticipate
New patients fill out paperwork detailing their medical and family history, past surgeries, allergies, and current medicines.
The patient is given a universal pain diagram to help them visualize the location and features of their pain. The patient uses symbols to indicate where the pain is felt, grade the severity and kind of pain, as well as additional feelings like numbness and weakness.
The medical assistant or nurse may weigh the patient, measure his or her height, and test his or her blood pressure and pulse before the patient meets with the spine expert. The patient’s written information will be reviewed by the spine expert, who will ask questions.
