Why should a Patient with Scoliosis see an Orthopedist Rather than a Neurologist?

 

OrthopedicsA patient with scoliosis should visit an orthopedist because scoliosis affects the musculoskeletal system and the spine.  This occurs within the practice and specialty of orthopedics. Neurologists, on the other hand, specialize in conditions that affect the nervous system. While scoliosis can sometimes cause nerve compression or other neurological symptoms, orthopedists should be seen because they diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

Why should a Patient with a Spine Problem see an Orthopedist Rather than a Neurologist?

A patient with a spine problem should see an orthopedist rather than a neurologist.  The reason is that orthopedists specialize in the musculoskeletal system and spine.  On the other hand, neurologists specialize in the nervous system. Orthopedists get trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.  This includes those conditions affecting the spine. Patients with spine problems that relate to the nervous system should see a neurologist.  For instance, a herniated disc causing nerve compression or a spinal cord injury.

What is the Difference between an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Neurosurgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon, a medical doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.  Their focus includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They perform a variety of surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system, including those related to the spine.

A neurosurgeon, also a medical doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the nervous system.  Their practice specializes in the brain and spinal cord. They perform a variety of surgical procedures related to the nervous system.  As an example, they remove tumors, implement spinal fusion, and also treat herniated discs.

When a person has Continual Back Pain, should They see an Orthopedist or a Neurosurgeon?

When a person has continual back pain, they should see an orthopedic doctor as a first step. Orthopedic doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. They are trained to evaluate and diagnose a wide range of back problems.  Among those problems are herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. They can also perform non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and medications, as well as surgical treatment if necessary.

In summary, an orthopedic surgeon focuses on the musculoskeletal system.  And a neurologic surgeon focuses on the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. While both may treat conditions related to the spine, the scope of their practice and the type of surgical procedures they perform are different. Finally, a person with continual back pain should see an orthopedic doctor as a first step.  However, if the pain is caused by a condition that requires neurosurgical intervention, the patient will be referred to a neurosurgeon.

Causes of Back Pain

There are many reasons why a person’s back will hurt or that he or she will suffer from back pain.  The following are some of the most common causes:

  • Muscle or ligament strains: Overuse or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the back can cause spasms, soreness, and pain.
  • Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft material inside a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. This can put pressure on the nerves, causing pain.
  • Degenerative disc disease: As people age, the discs in the spine can become less flexible and start to deteriorate, leading to back pain.
  • Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease can affect the spine, causing stiffness and pain.
  • Sciatica: This condition indicates a herniated disc or bone spur affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
  • Scoliosis: A curvature of the spine can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves, causing pain.
  • Stress and poor posture: Stress and poor posture can cause tension and strain on the muscles in the back, leading to pain.

Other possible causes of back pain include fibromyalgia, infection, cancer, and ankylosing spondylitis. Patients should see a doctor to determine the specific cause of the pain, as it can help to guide the appropriate treatment.

Find Top Scoliosis and Spine Experts – Orthopedist

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is known as the Dallas Metroplex and the North Texas premier Scoliosis practice. Also, our doctors, who have offices in DallasPlano, and Frisco, Texas, specialize in diagnosing and treating Scoliosis, Complex Spine Issues, and Spine Revision corrections.

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons have diagnosed and treated more than 100,000 patients. In addition, we have successfully performed more than 16,000 surgeries for scoliosis including complicated spine cases and revision surgeries. If you live with the pain of scoliosis or a spine condition, The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute will provide the expertise and surgical competence to provide solutions based on years of study.  Please contact us. There is no reason to live in pain and our doctors want to help — even if you live hundreds of miles away. In other words, our doctors give each patient customized, attention no matter where you live. In conclusion, our Top Scoliosis and Spine Experts ensure that you receive the best possible healthcare treatment.

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Spine Universe: Orthopedists
Central New York Brain and Spine: Orthopedists & Scoliosis

 

 

 

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If your loved one suffers from scoliosis or another complex spine condition, hope exists. We can help. Call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.