Spine

The spine (backbone) is a well-protected bone system extending from the base of the head to the pelvis. With its unique stacking-blocks vertebrae, the spine allows us to move fluidly from our hips through our shoulders, bending, twisting and turning as we need to. It’s responsible for our posture and helps support upper body strength. Because our spinal cord is protected within the bones of the spine, problems with the back or spine can be especially serious.

Help for Back Pain at MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has a wide range of experts available to help treat your back pain, including:

• Neurologists and Neurosurgeons — Neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize is conditions relating to the brain and nervous system. Because the spinal cord is a key part of our body’s central nervous system, the underlying cause of back pain is sometimes best treated by these specialists.
• Orthopedic surgeons — Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgeries on the joints, bones and supporting structures of the musculoskeletal system.
• Pain Management Specialists — Pain management specialists are doctors who focus on treating patients who suffer from chronic pain issues, to help patients feel less pain. Learn more about our Pain Management program.
• Physiatrists — Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, treat conditions that affect how you move. They often work with patients who are experiencing pain, mobility problems or other issues after an illness or injury. Learn more about our Physiatrists.
• Physical Therapists — Physical therapists are health care professionals trained to work with people to help them regain mobility and function after an illness or injury, or during recovery from some kinds of surgeries. Learn more about Physical Therapy at MultiCare.
• Sports Medicine Specialists — Sports medicine doctors typically focus on treating conditions or injuries related to sports or exercise. Their patients range from serious athletes to people who simply lead active lives. Learn more about Sports Medicine.

Diagnosing and Treating Back Pain

Since back pain can be caused by a number of conditions or injuries, your first step in diagnosing your pain is to be seen by one of our providers. Your initial appointment will be usually be with one of our orthopedic surgeons or sports medicine doctors. The doctor will complete a full evaluation of your symptoms and recent activities. X-rays, and MRI or CT scans may be necessary.

Finding the reason for your pain will help determine your treatment, as well as which provider or providers will be part of your treatment team.