Back problems - what doctor should I see?

Question

A few months ago I went running down a hill, and afterwards my lower back was very uncomfortable and in pain. Since then, I have a dull constant pain and/or uncomfortableness in my lower back, it now cracks several times a day (never use to before), and the worst part is that my arms and legs go numb all the time even if I'm just sitting normally (so something in my spinal cord may be injured, I'm guessing).

I don't want to see a chiropractor who's just going to crack my back because I don't think that s what I need, but I'm wondering what type of doctor (chirpractor, orthopedic surgeon, etc.) I should really see and what should be done (x-ray, mri, etc.)?

Answer 1

A chiropractor would e your best bet, but you do want to be discerning about the kind of chiropractor you see. You want to make sure that you see a chiropractor whose goal is correction and healing rather than manipulation for relief. I have been to a few and there is a big difference.
When oyu go they shoud take xrays and possibly do a scan of your spine to see exactly what your spinal issues are. If the chiropractor wants to begin adjusting you without taking xrays - find someone else- they are only in it for the patients and healing is not the goal. Find a chiropractor that will get you involved in your treatment- a good one will explain to you what he sees as the problem and will give you a program of therapy and possibly at home exercises besides the corrective spinal manipulation.
Often we do not realize that the spine is not just a structure that keeps us standing straight but houses and protects the nerves that affect every function in our bodies- subluxations, or a spine that is out of alignemnt will cause pain and disfunction not only in the spine but in many areas of our bodies. I highly reccomend that you see a chiropractor- but as you said, it is important that oyu find one that will not just "crack your back" but will put you on the road to healing. If you lived in my area or where i used to live, i could refer you to the BEST or the second best (where I used to live) in the business

Answer 2

You would see an orthpedic surgeon who deals with bones, especially the spine. But you need to check your insurance because some require a primary (family) physician give you a referral. The doctor will xray the area. And plan on a referral then to a physical therapist for remediation.

Numbness and tingling down the arms and legs means that something is definitely wrong though it could be as simple as out of alignment. Don't take a chance. Go see any medical professional!

Answer 3

See your own doctor who can refer you for physical therapy which should be covered by insurance, if you have it. Surgeons just want to cut you open so don't start there. It may be that you have a slipped disc or something less serious. At any rate, if your arms and legs go numb there is a problem with one of your vertebrae and physical therapy would be the first step in healing that.

Answer 4

Go to your family doctor. He can order tests that you need or refer you to the correct type of doctor or prescribe treatment.
You are right to stay away from chiropractic until you are diagnosed. An X-ray may spot the problem, but an MRI would be the best. Good luck! (Also - sleep with a pillow between your legs while side-lying - it keeps your back straighter.)

Answer 5

Forget the chiropractor, they are idiots. You need an MRI and an orthopedic/spine surgeon (beware...a good spine surgeon will only operate if absolutely necessary). The numbness suggests spinal stenosis or a disk herniation. good luck.

Answer 6

If you have been having this problem for "a few months now", please don't mess around with a chiropractor. You are most certainly having neuro problems with the numbness. A Neurologist (even a Neuro surgeon) should be consulted ASAP.
Probably a slipped disc or pinched nerve, but they will prpbably send you for an MRI to get a definitive diagnosis.

Answer 7

Adjustment may be all you need. You really want to go to a Dr. who will mask pain with meds or give you many costly tests, just to find out while running, you probably made a few bones go out of place. A Chiropractor can find whats out, adjust and if needed, recommend a massage. Tight muscles will pull bones out of place. After an adjustment, if the muscles spasm or stay contracted, they can and will pull the bones back out of line. A massage will loosen the muscles so that won't be likely to happen. The adjustment should not hurt, it will give usually immediate relief and save you lots of $$$ and time wasted with going for dozens of tests and useless Rx's.

Answer 8

You should see your general practitioner. He will send you to an orthpedist and they will take an MRI to see what the problem is. Then, they will probably recommend a few days of bed rest, then a visit to a physical therapist. If nothing works, contact me and I can recommend some laser surgery which is very easy and very effective with moderate back problems.

Answer 9

Sounds like you've pulled your muscles and tendons in your lower back, OUCH. Some things you can try, lay down on the floor and pull your knees to your chest and then slowly stretch one way and then the other way and then pull up and slowly release. This will help stretch your muscles and help with the pain. Take some ibuprofen up to 600mg every 6 hours as needed and put ice and heat alternating every three to four hours as needed. These things should help you.

I know how painful this can be, if it continues I recommend you see a orthopedic doctor and have him/her refer you to a physical therapist that can help you with stretching.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Orthopedic.