When should I find a back doctor?

Back pain is so commonplace in many people’s lives that it’s easy to forget that there was a time before it emerged. But despite its prevalence, back pain isn’t something you should brush under the rug. If you’ve wondered, “When is it time to find a back doctor near me?” or have held back on asking for help, you’re not alone. No matter the nature of your pain or how long it’s been affecting you, it’s always a good time to visit a spine doctor who can help you manage your symptoms. 

Long Island Brain & Spine is here to help. Our back pain and spine specialists have the expertise to deliver personalized treatment services that help you take back your life. Don’t wait to speak up and ask for the support you deserve. 

What is a Back Doctor?

Many types of healthcare providers can treat back pain. However, when we talk about a “back doctor,” we specifically refer to medical professionals specializing in treating the spine, brain, and nerves. 

Types of Back Pain Specialists

Again, several types of providers may fall under the umbrella of “back pain specialists.” Some of the most common examples, though, are those below.

• Neurosurgeons: As their name likely implies, neurosurgeons can perform surgery on the spine, brain, and nerves in the back. They can also use nonsurgical treatment methods, too. Surgery is reserved for situations in which no other treatment options have worked and is only used when truly necessary. 
• Pain Specialists: In this case, a pain specialist is usually a physician with extensive training in diagnosing and treating back pain.
• Physical Therapists: These professionals specialize in creating treatment programs that move and strengthen muscles affected by back pain. 
• Chiropractors - These professionals specialize in aligning the back only.

What Does a Back Doctor Do?

The treatments and methods a back or spine doctor uses depend on the type of healthcare professional you’re seeing. Generally speaking, a back pain provider might use medication and nonsurgical or surgical treatment options to address the causes of back pain and its symptoms. 

Here are a few examples of some of the practices and procedures a doctor for spine pain might utilize:

• Massaging nearby muscles and tissues to relax them and soothe pain
• Running diagnostic imaging tests to determine the cause of your back pain
• Teaching you about lifestyle changes and activities you can use to minimize pain
• Offering advice on exercise and stretching techniques you can use to prevent pain
• Providing medical treatment for pain symptoms in the moment and the future
• Referring you to an additional back pain specialist (like a physical therapist) who can enhance your treatment program
• Performing surgery (when necessary) to address the root cause of back pain

5 Key Signs It May Be Time to See a Back Doctor

Back pain is an incredibly common phenomenon. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t experienced it at some point in their lifetime. As a result, it can be tricky to know when it’s the right time to seek help for your pain. But most people who experience chronic back pain don’t see a spine doctor after a few days of symptoms – they often wait months or even years to speak up.

While some temporary back pain might be a normal part of life, pain that’s consistent or disrupts daily functioning is worth paying attention to. Generally, the sooner you can see a back doctor, the better. So, if you’re wondering, “Is now the right time to try and find a back doctor near me?” The answer is almost certainly a yes. 

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, it’s definitely time to find a spine doctor. These warning signs often indicate a more severe issue that needs proper treatment before it gets worse. 

1. Your back pain does not improve within a few weeks.

As mentioned, pain that quickly comes and goes may not be anything to worry about. But if that pain lingers for weeks or comes back repeatedly, it’s probably time to visit a doctor. 

Don’t feel like you have to wait a long time to “prove” your back pain is worth treating. No one deserves to have to live with pain, no matter how mild or severe it may be. 

2. Your back pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling.

Numbness and tingling sensations that shoot down your legs may be signs of serious back pain that must be addressed sooner rather than later. These symptoms are often linked to nerve damage or nerve pain, which can indicate the problem goes deeper than you might think. 

3. Your pain is severe or does not improve with rest.

If your pain is so intense that it keeps you from getting out of bed or performing your daily routine, it may be the right time to ask for help. This is especially true if your pain doesn’t seem to improve, no matter how much you rest.

4. You experience sudden back pain after an injury or fall.

Back pain that appears suddenly after a fall or injury—even one that didn’t directly impact your back—should always be taken seriously. A spine or neck injury isn’t something you want to let fly under the radar.

5. You have back pain and other unexplained symptoms.

If you experience trouble urinating, a fever, weakness in your legs, or weight loss that you did not intend to cause, see a medical professional as soon as you can. Even if you’re not sure these symptoms are linked to your back pain, it’s better to get help and find out what’s going on before it becomes a more serious threat to your health. 

Find a Back Doctor Near You at Long Island Brain & Spine

Whether your pain is new or not, you deserve to find care that helps you live a happy, healthy life. We have good news: your quest to find a back doctor on Long Island ends here at Long Island Brain & Spine. Our team of multidisciplinary professionals is equipped to help you manage your symptoms regardless of their cause. When you choose Long Island Brain & Spine, you work with industry-leading providers with years of experience helping patients like you understand and find freedom from their back pain.

No one should accept pain as part of life!

We know firsthand just how much back pain can affect your life. It can keep you from spending time with loved ones, exploring the world, and chasing your goals – but it doesn’t have to.

Back and spine specialists like board-certified neurosurgeon George V. Kakoulides, MD, FAANS, FACS, a member of the Long Island Brain & Spine team, can guide you through each step of recovering from your pain. His patients love Dr. Kakoulides for his personal touch and kind, warm approach to care, which helps make treating your pain into something genuinely positive. Professionals like Dr. Kakoulides allow us to offer direct access to some of the best and most respected neurosurgeons on Long Island.

Join our community of back pain specialists, compassionate staff, and peers to take charge of your symptoms and life. Call us today to learn more about our services and to find a Long Island neurosurgery specialist or back doctor near you.