Finding the Right Spine Doctor: Common and Avoidable Mistakes
Back problems are a common ailment. Whether you were hurt in an accident, or wear and tear has damaged your spine, you need expert treatment to help you get your life back. But how do you find a good spine surgeon you can trust?
At Alliance Orthopedics, our team is prepared to help you with any and all of your spine needs. Our team includes an expert panel of orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons, and sports medicine specialists to help you conquer your back pain and get back on your feet.
Why a good spine doctor is important
When your back hurts, it could be for a number of different reasons. Whether it’s a simple muscle strain or something more serious like a herniated disc, finding the right spine doctor is important to make sure you get the proper treatment.
Although your family doctor can help you with minor spine problems, you really should see a specialist for more severe spinal problems. Because your spine houses your spinal cord, which is vital for life, skill, precision, and experience are critical.
There are many conditions that can affect your spine, and without treatment, these conditions may lead to disability and severe complications. Finding a good doctor helps you overcome your back pain and prevent further problems down the road.
What makes a good spine doctor?
When your back is hurting, you want to get treatment right away — but you do want to make sure you find the right doctor, too. Here are a few things that you should consider when trying to find a good spine doctor:
Board certified and fellowship trained
Fellowship training means that your doctor spent an extra year or more training specifically in spine surgery. This is above and beyond the normal residency they go through after medical school.
At least half of their practice focuses on the spine
A doctor who devotes more than half of their practice to spine cases is much more likely to know the latest techniques and most up-to-date medical technologies. This also means that they’re very comfortable treating spine cases as well.
You’re comfortable with them
One of the most important components of a doctor-patient relationship is your comfort level with the provider. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to speak freely about your concerns and ask difficult questions.
They have knowledge of the latest treatments
A doctor who specializes in the spine should be up-to-date on the latest and greatest treatments. This is good for you because the newest treatments may be better than treatments from the past.
Ultimately, the choice in which doctor you see for your back problem is up to you; but you do want to make sure you do your research before deciding.
Avoid these traits in a spine doctor
If you’re not careful, you could end up going with a doctor who really isn’t a good fit for you or for your condition. Avoid this common mistake by researching your doctor and their practice.
There are a few traits that you should avoid when looking for a spine doctor that can lead to a negative experience:
- Discourages second opinions
- Disregards your questions
- Pushes surgery on you
- Bypasses conservative treatments
- Doesn’t listen to your concerns
The biggest mistake is rushing into a decision without doing the proper amount of research. The wrong doctor can not only ruin your treatment experience, but may also make you hesitate about getting the treatment you need.
If you have a spine condition and are in need of a spine surgeon, don’t hesitate to call one of our four convenient locations in New Jersey, or book a consultation with our pain management doctors online today.