Back pain is physical discomfort that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation. It often stems from strain or medical conditions affecting the back’s muscles, nerves, and bones. While acute back pain resolves within a few weeks, chronic pain persists for over 12 weeks, even after the underlying cause has been treated. When managing nerve-related pain, your primary provider may recommend seeing a specialist, as they offer more advanced treatment options. Here’s information on nerve-related back pain conditions and how a neurologist diagnoses and treats them:
What Is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. The spine serves as the mainframe for nerves, and neurologists can address pain that originates from neurological issues. A primary care physician may refer you to a specialist when standard treatments fail to provide relief. If you experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, or loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain, you may have nerve-related pain. These symptoms suggest that the nerves in the spinal column are being compressed or damaged, requiring specialized evaluation.
Neurologists manage nerve-related pain conditions by focusing on the health of the nervous system as a whole, and they can locate which nerves are causing pain. They look beyond localized pain to observe how nerve signals are being interrupted or misinterpreted by the brain. A neurologist develops a care plan that may include medication management, physical therapy, or referrals to neurosurgeons for structural repair.
How Do They Diagnose Nerve-related Pain?
The diagnostic process begins with a comprehensive physical examination and discussion of your medical history. During the exam, the neurologist checks your muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination to pinpoint which nerves may be affected. They test sensation in your arms and legs to determine if there is a correlation with a spinal nerve root. To confirm a diagnosis, advanced imaging and electrical testing are often required, as they provide key data, such as:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans provide detailed images of spinal structures.
- Electromyography (EMG): EMG and nerve conduction studies measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve signals.
These tests help your doctor distinguish between spinal nerve root compression and nerve damage.
What Are Some Treatments They Offer?
Neurologists primarily manage conditions non-surgically, but they also work with neurosurgeons when surgical intervention is the best course of action. A discectomy surgically removes a damaged portion of a herniated disk to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a laminectomy, where a surgeon removes the back part of the vertebra. This creates more space for the spinal cord and nerves. By freeing the compressed nerve, these surgeries can reduce pain and restore normal function.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the spine to add support. This surgery mimics the natural healing process of a broken bone, and it stabilizes the spine to reduce pain caused by movement at the affected segment. Surgeons use bone grafts, metal plates, and screws to hold the vertebrae together while they heal into a single, solid unit.
Artificial Disk Replacement
For some individuals, preserving motion is a priority, so an artificial disk replacement may be more beneficial. In this procedure, the degenerated disk is removed and replaced with a mechanical device that mimics the function of a natural disk. This allows the spine to retain more flexibility and may reduce stress on adjacent spinal segments compared to fusion surgery.
Contact a Neurologist To Learn More
Navigating nerve-related back pain can be challenging, but you do not have to manage it alone. A qualified neurologist can diagnose the source of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan. If your back pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms, schedule a consultation with a specialist today.
