Spine Doctor vs Pain Specialist

If you suffer from back pain, you need expert treatment that addresses both the pain itself and the underlying cause. Below, we'll take a look at some common causes of spine pain, as well as the difference between a spine doctor and a pain specialist.

Common Causes of Spine Pain 

Spine pain can be caused by a number of issues. While temporary back pain may be caused by muscle strain, back pain that persists over time is probably caused by an issue with the spine. Some common conditions include: 

• Sciatica - Compression of the sciatic nerve due to a wide range of issues
• Bulging discs - Misshapen intervertebral discs
• Herniated discs - Ruptured intervertebral discs
• Bone spurs - Abnormal deposits of bone on the vertebrae 
• Spondylolisthesis - One vertebrae slips past another
• Spinal arthritis - Inflammation of one or more of the vertebral joints 
• Spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal canal, which is home to the spinal cord
• Foraminal stenosis - A narrowing of the passages through which the nerve roots pass from the spinal cord to the rest of the body

About Spine Doctors

Spine doctors are trained in the treatment of conditions that affect the spine. They are often skilled surgeons with a strong understanding of the body as a whole. An increasing number of spine doctors are incorporating minimally invasive procedures, like laser spine surgery, into their practice.

About Pain Specialists

Pain specialists have education and interest in the comprehensive treatment of pain. Although they are concerned with the underlying cause of pain, just like spine doctors, they are also concerned about treating the immediate pain, which makes treating the underlying condition more feasible. 

Pain medicine is its own branch of medicine, and the understanding of pain is growing. Patients looking for comprehensive treatment of both their spine condition and their pain are often better served by a pain specialist who has experience in the treatment of spine conditions.

Top Spine Doctor and Pain Specialist

Dr. Sukdeb Datta of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center is both a spine doctor and a pain specialist, meaning that he is equipped to provide the best possible treatment to people with spine conditions. Each case is unique, and Dr. Datta works with each patient to formulate a plan of treatment. He often uses the most minimally invasive spine treatments available, and also incorporates the latest findings in translational pain research whenever possible.

Dr. Datta would be happy to meet with you about your spine pain. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.