Which Specialist to Consult for Back Pain and Related Issues?

If you have back pain, you should see an orthopedic specialist or a spine specialist?

Hello, Doctor: I have a question.
After eating at Chiba last night, I woke up this morning with a lot of pain in my lower back and buttocks.
I can't bend my waist, and squatting is very slow and painful.
I've been in pain all day and feel very down.
Which department should I see? I also have bothersome vaginal discharge; is it related to my back pain? Can the ultrasound performed by the doctor examine my back? Thank you.

huanzhe, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/30

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Please go to the outpatient clinic as soon as possible.
You need to see both orthopedics and obstetrics and gynecology.
(I have responded before; I wrote a lot last time, but for some reason, my submission didn't go through.
I'm sorry, let's discuss it further after the examination at the clinic.)

Reply Date: 2013/09/30

More Info

When dealing with back pain, especially if it is acute and has arisen suddenly, it is essential to consult the right specialist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. In your case, given the sudden onset of pain after a specific activity, it would be advisable to start with a visit to a primary care physician or a family doctor. They can perform an initial assessment and determine if further specialist consultation is necessary.

If your primary care physician suspects a musculoskeletal issue, they may refer you to an orthopedic specialist or a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician. Orthopedic specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, while PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, specialize in restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical impairments or disabilities.

In some cases, if the back pain is associated with nerve involvement or if there are neurological symptoms (like numbness or tingling), a neurologist or a neurosurgeon may be consulted. They can evaluate for conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis that might be compressing nerves.

Regarding your mention of "白帶" (leukorrhea), it is important to note that while back pain and gynecological issues can sometimes be related, they are typically treated by different specialists. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge, it would be prudent to consult a gynecologist. They can assess whether there is any connection between your gynecological symptoms and your back pain, especially if there are underlying conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis that could be contributing to both issues.

As for the ultrasound question, while ultrasound is a useful imaging tool for examining soft tissues and organs, it is not typically used for diagnosing back pain. Instead, imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are more commonly employed to visualize the spine and surrounding structures. However, if your gynecologist or primary care physician believes that an ultrasound is warranted to investigate your leukorrhea, they can certainly perform that test.

In summary, for your back pain, start with a primary care physician who can guide you to the appropriate specialist based on their findings. If your back pain is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Addressing both your back pain and any gynecological concerns with the appropriate specialists will help ensure a comprehensive approach to your health. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so it's important to address these issues promptly.

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