Spine, Back and Lumbar Specialists - What is the Difference?

Back pain is one of the most frequently experienced physical ailments in the western world, and especially in the USA. While most choose to leave it untreated, when it gets to the point that it is affecting your ability to perform job functions or live a healthy normal life, it's time to think about going to a specialist for physical therapy or surgical option to correct the problem. When looking online or in the phone book for an appropriate back specialist, you may notice referrals to spine, back, and lumbar specialists, and be wondering what the difference is exactly between these three.

In reality, all three specialists are basically the same, just with different titles. A back specialist may look at both the muscles of the overall back region, however. Spine specialists will look only at the functioning of the vertebrae that make up your spine, covering the delicate spinal cord. This leads all the way up into your neck and could involve some areas of neurological function. Finally, a lumbar specialist covers that most sensitive area of the back, the lower back region that is so prone to pain for various reasons. While any of these types of medical professionals would be able to help with general back pain, if you are experiencing pain in a specific area that might help narrow it down.

It's a good idea to visit a lumbar specialist if you have been experiencing chronic lower back pain, before the situation gets so bad that you are incapacitated. By visiting a specialist early, you can help correct the problem without surgery, in some cases. The issue may only be a matter of consistently poor posture, or other easily correctable issues. Once there is a slipped disc in the spine or other more serious injury, this is when invasive surgery and lengthy rehabilitation exercises will be needed instead. For this reason, early prevention is always preferable.

There's no need to suffer with daily back pain, when there are back specialists out there to help protect against spine injuries or strains in the lumbar region. All of these medical professionals are trained in helping their patients improve their posture and work on strengthening exercises that will help ease back pain. It's becoming more and more common to experience back pain with days spent staring at a computer, which tends to promote poor posture and eyestrain. Regular massage can also be another good preventive measure.