Where to Get Help
Physicians — Your Medical Home Base
Primary Care Physician (GP / Family Doctor)
Your GP is often the best first point of contact for back pain.
What they can do:
- Take a full medical history and perform a physical examination
- Order imaging (X-ray, MRI) when clinically indicated
- Prescribe medications
- Rule out serious conditions ("red flags")
- Refer you to specialists when needed
- Coordinate your overall care
When to start here: Most cases of chronic low back pain. Your GP knows your full medical history, medications, and other conditions — context that matters for treatment decisions.
Orthopedic Surgeon / Spine Surgeon
A physician specializing in the musculoskeletal system, including the spine.
What they can do:
- Advanced diagnostic workup (specialized imaging, diagnostic injections)
- Surgical evaluation when conservative treatment fails
- Perform spinal procedures if indicated
- Prescribe rehabilitation programs
When to see one:
- Your GP refers you for persistent or worsening symptoms
- You have neurological symptoms (leg weakness, numbness, bowel/bladder changes)
- You want a surgical opinion after conservative treatment has failed
Note: Seeing a surgeon does not mean you need surgery. Many spine surgeons spend most of their time recommending against surgery and managing patients conservatively.
Physiatrist (PM&R — Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
A physician specializing in non-surgical management of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
What they can do:
- Comprehensive functional assessment
- Design rehabilitation programs
- Perform procedures (injections, EMG/nerve studies)
- Coordinate multidisciplinary care
- Prescribe medications
When to see one: When you want a physician-led, non-surgical approach — especially if your pain is affecting your ability to function day-to-day. Physiatrists focus on function, not just pain.
Pain Management Specialist
A physician (often an anesthesiologist by training) who specializes in treating chronic pain.
What they can do:
- Advanced pain diagnosis
- Interventional procedures (nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation)
- Medication management for complex pain
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) evaluation
- Coordinate multidisciplinary pain programs
When to see one:
- Conservative treatment (exercise, physical therapy, medications) hasn't provided adequate relief
- You have neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, electrical sensations)
- Your pain has persisted beyond 3–6 months despite treatment
- You want to explore interventional options before considering surgery