What kind of doctor do I see for neck/back pain?
543114
Orthopedic surgeon or "orthopod."\nI've found it to be best to use both the western and the alternative approaches for chronic muskuloskeletal pain.
170336
My chiropractor said as long as you don't force it you're fine. Have you ever gone to one? They could tell you even better if it isn't causing damage. Plus it's better to get your back/neck realigned regularly.
44821
You need to go straight to a chiropractor. Surgery should only be if your back goes out on you. A good chiropractor that I know of is Dr. David Darrow. You can check out more about him by visiting his website http://www.darrowtotalcare.com
1059806
Has he had the doctors do X-rays to see if there is an underlying casue (degeneration of the discs, bukges, spurs etc??). Knowing what is causing the problems will go a long way to helping.\n\nAlso I think he should see a physiotherapist. My husband went to chiro's for years and the improvements wore off after a few days. He has been seeing a physiotherapist in recent times and his recovery from major painful incidents is much quicker and longer lasting. The benefit they have over chiro is that physio will help you to learn how to reatrin the muscles that support the spine. If the muscles are strong this will help take the pressure off the bones and share more of the workload.\n\nMy husband has also benefited from the following:\n\n*Changing jobs so he minimises heavy and repetitive lifting (I know this is not always possible)\n\n*When he does get major pain he will take anti-inflammatory drugs and lay as flat as possible all day. This will help rest the area.\n\n*We got a "memory foam" mattress overlay and a pillow. It gives more support to his back whilst sleeping.\n\n*Doing stretches and back exercises every day. The physio will be able to show your dad simple things he can do at home. Otherwise there are some great books out there.\n\n*Thinking before he lifts anything and then doing it is the safest way possible (ie lifting from the legs).\n\nUnfortunately back problems are one of those problems which can keep reccurring. Just when you think you have it under control, you do something silly and you are back to square 1. Good luck though for your dad, and help him out when he is in severe pain and make him rest.
283070
Check your local State Medical Board (Link is at the bottom)  I would also check with the Hospitals your Doctor is affiliated with.\n\nMy only disagreement with the information listed below is that I have an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes only in Spine Surgery (the statistic below of 50% is not enough for me)\n\nWhat to look for in a spine surgeon:\n \nIn today's complex medical field, it is important for patients to be as involved as possible in their own medical care. This includes the choice of doctors. Some managed care programs leave little room for choice, but if you are able to choose your physician, here are some guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist: \n\n1. Make sure the spine surgeon is board certified (or board eligible) and fellowship trained in spine. This means that in addition to the usual surgical residency requirements, he or she has completed a fellowship program in spine that included at least one additional year of training specific to spine surgery. \n\n2. Choose a spine surgeon who devotes at least 50% of his or her practice to the treatment of spinal conditions. A physician who sees mostly spine patients will be more up-to-date on newer technologies and techniques than a physician who only sees spine patients occasionally. \n\n3. In addition to the physician's credentials, make sure the physician you choose is someone you feel comfortable with. After all, finding a physician you can trust is almost as important as his or her experience. Good communication is essential in a doctor/patient relationship, so ask yourself these questions: \n\na. Does the doctor answer all of your questions and provide you with enough information about your condition? \n\nb. Does he or she spend enough time with you? \n\nc. Is the physician reachable? Open-minded? A good listener? \n\nd. Does he or she welcome a second opinion? \n\n4. Talk to the physician about his or her experience with the latest techniques and technologies in spine surgery. How many procedures has he or she performed? Is the doctor willing to refer you to any former patients who may be available to share their experiences with you? \n\n5. Talk to the physician, or someone in the office, about your medical insurance to find out what is covered and what you may be responsible for. \n\n6. Choose a physician who is referred to you by a reliable source such as your primary care physician, or a friend, or relative. You can also use the physician referral services at your local hospital for additional information about the doctor. Also, SpineUniverse has over 2,500 spine specialists registered. To find one in your area click here.\n\nCautions \nThere are also a few things you should be cautious of when selecting a spine surgeon. Avoid any doctor who does the following: \n\n• Discourages or does not allow second opinions. \n\n• Suggests "exploratory" surgery. With today's sophisticated imaging technology, this is rarely necessary. \n\n• Does not answer all of your questions (or makes you feel bad about asking them). \n\n• Tries to influence your decision to have surgery. Remember, it is totally up to you whether or not you have surgery. Your doctor's job is to provide you with enough information to comfortably make that decision. \n\n• Bypasses conservative treatment options. Surgery should always be the treatment of last resort - when other non-surgical options have been exhausted. \n\n• Is not forthcoming about treatments, techniques, costs, outcomes, and expectations for recovery. \n\nIf you have concerns about a particular physician, you can contact your state Medical Board to find out whether the practitioner has ever had disciplinary action taken against his or her license. The Federation of State Medical Boards lists each of its members at the following address: \n\nwww.fsmb.org/members.htm \n\n\nGood luck and God Bless!
401786
Talk to your chiropractor
468895
Start by going to  your regular Doctor or an Orthopedist first to find out what is causing the pain after you have a diagnosis  then you will be able to make a decision about getting the proper treatment for the particular problem.
646709
That can stem from a wide variety of problems, so I suggest not taking anyone's advice here, but going to your doctor or chiropractor for help!
15713
Courtney, you should try chiropractic care.  It is a safe and gentle way to help with chronic back pain, even from scoliosis.  I work for a chiropractor in South Carolina and she uses a new technology of chiropractic treatment that doesn't have any twisting, poping or cracking when the adjustment is delivered.  It is called the Pro-Adjuster and many chiropactors all over the world are beginning to use this technology.  We had a 27 year old male with chronic back pain from his scoliosis and he received dramatic relief in just a few treatments.  Make sure to do your research on doctors in your area, so you can find a chiropractor who fits into your specific needs.  If you want more information on the Pro-Adjuster and to find doctors in your area using it, go to www.pro-adjuster.com.
1065143
Definitely go to a chiropractor.  I had a problem with at least once a month for some unknown reason I would pull a muscle in my neck.. Since I started going to a Chiro I haven't done it since.
233949
Yes, see a doctor or a chiropractor.  Numbness is often a sign of nerve problems, and problems with your neck can bother the nerves.
114319
Most of the time (95% or better) conservative chiropractic care is very effective for work related cervical spine injuries.  Most of these injuries involved "deranged" spinal joints (and often involve shoulders, upper back, jaw and other regions) and associated damaged soft tissues, including muscles and tendons, but ligaments, fascia and other connective tissues which attach to and surround the spine, which need to be rehabiliated and restored to normal function, when possible.  It is important to do a thorough history intake and physical examination, including taking two or more X-rays of the site of suspected injured structures, to evaluate, identify and diagnose what is wrong.  Without figuring out what is most likely wrong (diagnosis), it is very likely to provide a faulty and potentially useless or harmful plan of care.   I have found that a multi-modal approach which combines "chiropractic adjustments", also called chiropractic manipulative treatments, followed by passive modalities (hot, cold, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, therapeutic massage, etc) and therapeutic exercises targeted to any specific physical deficits, done to the capacity and tolerance of a patient, work very well, usually done at 2-3 times a week initially, and then less often with continued demonstrated signs of improvement until the patient is at or near a pre-injury status (if possible).  If a sinister injury is suspected, or if a patient fails to recover as much and as rapidly as expected, then a second opinion consultation with a specialist, and advanced diagnostic tests, are arranged.  It has been estimated that Chiropractic care is about 100 times safer (or more) than taking an aspirin for these kind of problems, when provided by a properly trained and licensed Chiropractic physician or licensed Chiropractor.  There is nothing "fake" about properly planned and provided chiropratic care.
911879
Some chiropractors are not too bad. They seek to cure rather than get you hooked on regular treatments. Most, however (my opinion) are in it for the money and want you to keep coming back. If you want a permanent cure to spinal problems, you would do better to get a book by Kit Laughlin called "Overcome Neck and Back Pain". He studied chiropractic, yoga, shiatsu, and others. He's come up with a system of stretching exercises which do pretty much everything a chiropractor can do except without the price and having to go into the office. Check it out, it's one of the best books I've ever gotten.
138340
you need a chiropractic or go to  www.myBackSolution.com
927766
Chiropractor...I used to suffer frequently, but when I started seeing the Chiro..I hardly ever have one anymore...also he had a massage therapist come in and show me a couple of simple massage techniques that do wonders ....
24099
A good idea to find out the cause of your back pain is to call Darrow Total Care. Dr. David W. Darrow is a chiropractor. The phone number for his office is (407)-331-4040. His website is \n \n http://www.darrowtotalcare.com
770622
I go to the chiropractor for scoliosis and TMJ. The first week I hurt because my muscles and spine were moving. It is completely natural for you to hurt. I took ibuprofen to take away some of the pain. After a couple of weeks you won't hurt anymore. That is, unless you miss a visit! ;-)