General Practitioner (GP)
A GP can assess your overall health and may be able to offer some initial relief in the form of basic treatment and medication.
If these options don’t help manage your pain, consider asking for a referral to a pain management specialist.
Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist
A physio or occupational therapist can work with you to map out a plan to make your daily activities less painful. Should you choose a surgical pain management option, your therapist can also help create a plan for recovery and rehabilitation to help you get back to your everyday tasks more quickly and effectively.
Pain Management Doctor
They work with your healthcare team (nurses, primary care doctors, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, etc.) to ensure you maintain the highest quality of life. As the name suggests, these are professionals with special training in diagnosing and treating pain.
Because they specialise in managing pain, they are likely to have access to and a wide range of treatment options for your particular pain.
Surgeon
Surgeons, especially those with extensive training in pain management, can offer expertise on the risks and benefits of a variety of surgical pain management options.
They may also refer you to another specialist if surgery is not right for you. Your surgeon may perform a range of corrective back surgeries and/or use pain therapy devices to help with your unique pain.
However, having a surgeon on your team does not always mean you will get surgery. Many surgeons opt for non-surgical therapies for their patients.
