Back

The spine (backbone) is a well-protected bone system extending from the base of the head to the pelvis. With vertebrae like stacked blocks, 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—doctors who specialize in conditions relating to the brain and nervous system.
• Orthopedic surgeons—surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases. and conditions. Orthopedics focuses on the body's entire musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
• Pain management specialists—doctors who focus on treating patients who suffer from chronic pain issues, to help patients feel less pain.
• Physiatrists—rehabilitation physicians who 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. The goal of physical medicine and rehabilitation is to assist disabled patients in achieving their maximum physical, psychosocial, and vocational potential.
• Physical therapists—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.
• Sports medicine specialists—doctors who 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.

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. The doctor will complete a full evaluation of your symptoms and recent activities. X-rays and MRI or CT scans may be necessary.

Based on your condition, you may be referred to any of the above providers to develop an effective treatment plan. 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.