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What Is a Back Specialist, Exactly?

What does it mean to be a back specialist? Though it may seem a simple question, there are actually several types of back specialists, each specializing in one type of back ailment over another. If you are looking for a back or neck specialist, it is important to realize that the particular needs of your condition will determine which specialist is the one to see.

Back Specialist Types

There are, generally speaking, four main types of back pain specialists from which to choose, each of whom has an area of expertise that distinguishes it from the expertise of another field.

• Osteopathic Physicians—an osteopathic physician possesses a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Although they do not have an MD degree, a DO is in every way a physician who can write prescriptions, perform surgery, etc., though their training zeroes in on whole-body medicine and musculoskeletal manipulation as a means to that end.
• Physiatrists—physiatrists hold MD degrees. Their practice has physical therapy and rehab at its core; thus, they often gravitate toward specialized practices such as sports medicine or rehabilitation of amputees.
• Surgeons—both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons may operate on the spine, depending on the nature of the patient’s condition. Neurosurgeons are more likely to work on the spinal cord and nerves, while an orthopedic surgeon is the one to operate on herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other issues that affect the structure of the spinal column.
• Chiropractors—strictly speaking, a chiropractor is not a physician. Chiropractors attain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a chiropractic college. Their focus is on physically manipulating the body (particularly the spine) into ideal alignment in order to relieve pain.

Treatment Options from Laser Spine Institute

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The surgical team at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) features some of the most renowned orthopedic surgeons in the nation. They are all experts in the use of endoscopic laser-assisted spine procedures to treat back and neck pain. In fact, all together, LSI orthopedic surgeons have performed tens of thousands of these procedures. If you would like more information on how a back specialist at Laser Spine Institute can help you, contact LSI today. We will gladly arrange for a review of your MRI or CT scan at no cost to you.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.