Which Doctor to Consult for Lower Back Pain? Here’s the Best Place to Start

If you’re dealing with lower back pain and aren’t sure which doctor to consult, you're not the only one. Back pain is actually the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. But figuring out who to see can be surprisingly frustrating.

Should you start with your primary doctor? A chiropractor? Or go straight to a specialist?

Let’s walk through your options—and explain why a neurosurgeon might be the best place to start.

Lower Back Pain Isn’t Always What It Seems

Lower back pain can be caused by a ton of different things:

• A pulled muscle or sprain
• A herniated disc
• Nerve compression (like sciatica)
• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Even stress or poor posture

And that’s why finding the right doctor matters. You want someone who can properly diagnose the root cause—not just throw painkillers at it.

When to See a Doctor for Lower Back Pain

Let’s start here: if your pain is new, mild, or clearly tied to a physical activity (like lifting something heavy), you can usually try self-care for a few days. Think:

• Ice and heat
• Over-the-counter pain meds
• Gentle movement and stretching

But if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or is affecting your daily life, it's time to see a doctor.

Red flag symptoms? Don’t wait. Call a doctor immediately if you have:

• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in your legs
• Pain radiating down your leg
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss or fever

These could indicate nerve damage or a spinal issue that needs fast attention.

Which Doctor to See for Lower Back Pain?

Here’s a breakdown of who does what—so you can choose the right fit for your symptoms.

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Good for:

• First-time back pain
• Mild to moderate pain
• Referrals to specialists

They can prescribe meds, order imaging like X-rays or MRIs, and refer you to physical therapy. But if the issue is more complex, they’ll likely send you to a specialist.

2. Chiropractor

Good for:

• Alignment issues
• Mild to moderate mechanical pain
• Short-term relief

Chiropractors focus on spinal manipulation and joint alignment. Some people find huge relief here, especially if the issue is muscular or postural. Just be cautious if you have tingling, numbness, or weakness—these need a deeper neurological workup first.

3. Orthopedic Surgeon

Good for:

• Structural problems (bone, joints)
• Fractures or injuries
• Joint-related conditions

Orthopedists are trained in bones, muscles, and joints. If your pain comes from arthritis or a structural spinal issue, they can help. They also perform surgeries—but like neurosurgeons, they usually start conservatively.

4. Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehab Doctor)

Good for:

• Chronic pain management
• Non-surgical spine care
• Rehabilitation and therapy

Physiatrists focus on function, movement, and pain relief without surgery. They often create personalized rehab plans using meds, physical therapy, and other non-invasive treatments.

5. Pain Management Specialist

Good for:

• Chronic, severe pain
• Non-surgical options
• Injections and nerve blocks

If pain has been dragging on for months and nothing helps, pain management doctors can use procedures like steroid injections or nerve ablations. They work closely with surgeons and other specialists.

6. Neurosurgeon (Our Top Recommendation)

If your pain involves the spine or nerves, a neurosurgeon is often the best doctor to consult for lower back pain.

Here’s why:

• They specialize in the brain, spine, and nervous system
• They can diagnose complex spinal problems with MRIs, CT scans, and nerve tests
• They understand patterns of nerve pain, like sciatica, and can treat or refer appropriately
• And no—they don’t jump to surgery unless it’s necessary

Neurosurgeons often act as the quarterback of your care. They evaluate the whole picture, treat what they can, and refer you to the right place when needed—whether that’s physical therapy, pain management, or a different specialist.

What to Expect If You See a Neurosurgeon

At practices like Long Island Brain & Spine, you’ll get:

• A full review of your symptoms
• Access to advanced imaging (MRI, CT, EMG)
• Clear explanations about what's going on
• Non-surgical and surgical options
• Referrals to trusted therapists or pain docs if needed

And we’ve seen it all—from herniated discs to spinal stenosis, arthritis, and more.

Real Patients, Real Results

Rob F.

“He was the 4th doctor I tried—and well worth it. My back has never felt better.”

Jackie Q.

“This is the only doctor you need if you have any problems with your back. They actually listen.”

Frank B.

“Misdiagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Palumbo got it right, and now I feel like a new person.”

These stories are why we do what we do.

FAQs: Choosing the Right Doctor for Lower Back Pain

So, Which Doctor Should You Consult for Lower Back Pain?

If you’re still wondering who to call, here’s the bottom line:

If your back pain involves nerves, radiating pain, or hasn’t improved with basic care—start with a neurosurgeon.

They’ll either treat the issue directly or point you toward the right provider. At Long Island Brain & Spine, we’re here to help you finally get real answers and lasting relief.

Request an appointment today. You don’t have to live with the pain.

Trusted Resources

WHO: Low Back Pain Fact Sheet

Healthline: Which Doctor Should I See for Back Pain?

Hospital for Special Surgery – Back Pain Doctors

Weiss Memorial Hospital: Back Pain Specialists