Many people only associate spine doctors with back pain, but the body is actually more complex than that. The spine is a structure of bones in your back that protects your spinal cord, while the spinal cord itself is a bundle of nerves that connects to your brain and sends signals throughout your body. This means you could benefit from seeing a spine specialist for symptoms like pain or weakness in various areas of the body, not just your back.

Orthopedic spine surgeons are highly trained to manage and treat a wide range of conditions, including neck, upper and lower back pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness, fractures, tumors, and spinal deformities.

Click to enlarge

What Symptoms Might Indicate the Need for a Spine Specialist?

• Back or neck pain (1-2 weeks or longer)
• Stiffness or weakness
• Numbness or tingling

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is best to be evaluated by a medical professional, whether that is your primary care physician or an orthopedic spine surgeon.

“Red Flag” Symptoms: When to Seek Immediate Care

The following symptoms, when experienced alongside back pain, may indicate a more serious condition and warrant immediate medical attention:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Night pain or night sweats
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Severe, unrelenting pain

Are There Any Factors That Put You More At Risk of Developing Spine Conditions?

There are several lifestyle and occupational factors can increase your risk of developing back or spine conditions, including:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Manual labor
• Poor posture or ergonomics
• Prolonged sitting

What Are Some Common Spine Conditions?

Depending on your symptoms, a spine specialist may diagnose you with one of the following conditions:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Cervical or Lumbar radiculopathy
• Cervical myelopathy

Is Surgery Always Necessary?

Surgery is not always required. In fact, it is usually the last resort. The decision to move forward with surgery depends on specific indications, the severity of symptoms, and whether conservative treatments have been effective.

Most treatment plans begin with non-surgical options, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Injections (such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks)

It’s important to note that surgery is rarely indicated for patients whose primary complaint is back pain alone. Surgical intervention is typically considered for those experiencing arm or leg pain, weakness, or numbness, especially when imaging studies (like MRIs) correlate with their symptoms.

If you are experiencing persistent neck, back, arm, or leg pain—along with weakness, numbness, or difficulty with daily activities, it may be time to consult a spine specialist.

Our spine team here at Seaview Orthopaedics is here to guide you every step of the way and help you reach your treatment goals. Don’t let pain take over your life- book an appointment at one of our six offices across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties and begin your journey back to quality living.