What Is Spine Medicine Called?
When someone experiences chronic back pain, neck stiffness, or a spinal injury, they may be referred to a specialist in spine medicine. But what exactly is spine medicine called, and which professionals are trained to treat these conditions?
Spine medicine is commonly referred to as spine care, and it is typically part of the broader field of orthopedic medicine, neurology, or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The specific medical specialty focused on non-surgical and surgical treatment of the spine is often called spine medicine or spine surgery, depending on the provider’s background and approach.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
One major branch of spine medicine falls under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as physiatry. A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions, nerve-related pain, and functional recovery. Physiatrists commonly manage spinal conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
These specialists use non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, spinal injections, and lifestyle modifications to manage pain and improve function. PM&R physicians often lead multidisciplinary spine care teams and work closely with physical therapists, chiropractors, and pain management specialists.
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
When spine issues are more severe or require surgical correction, an orthopedic spine surgeon may be involved. These are doctors trained in orthopedic surgery with advanced fellowship training in spine surgery. They specialize in procedures such as spinal fusion, disc replacement, laminectomy, and scoliosis correction. Orthopedic spine surgeons focus on restoring structural alignment and stability to the spine, particularly in cases of trauma, deformity, or advanced degenerative disease.
Neurosurgery
Some spine specialists come from a background in neurosurgery. These physicians are trained to perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding structures. Neurosurgeons often treat spinal conditions that involve nerve compression, spinal tumors, or complex spinal cord issues. Like orthopedic spine surgeons, they may perform similar procedures but are often more involved in neurologically complex cases.
Pain Management and Interventional Spine Care
Another subspecialty within spine medicine is pain management, often practiced by anesthesiologists or PM&R doctors with additional training in interventional techniques. These specialists focus on relieving spine-related pain through methods such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Spine medicine is often best delivered through a multidisciplinary approach, where professionals from various specialties—orthopedics, neurology, PM&R, pain management, and physical therapy—collaborate to provide comprehensive care. This approach ensures that patients receive both conservative and advanced treatment options tailored to their individual condition.
Spine medicine is not defined by a single title but encompasses a range of medical specialties, including physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), orthopedic spine surgery, neurosurgery, and pain management. The specific name depends on the provider’s training and the nature of the condition being treated. If you're dealing with spinal pain or dysfunction, seeking care from a specialist in one of these areas can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan focused on recovery and long-term spine health.