If any of the Red flags for low back pain apply to you, see your doctor. Your doctor will examine you to see if your low back pain is due to any rare but serious cause. The vast majority of people with low back pain don’t have any serious illness. Once the doctor rules out serious illness, you may choose to manage your own low back pain at home.

If you don’t have Red flags, you may still choose to see a doctor. Several kinds of doctors routinely see patients with low back pain. Family doctors, other primary care physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists can all help with low back pain. No matter which you see, your visit will include a physical exam. You will need to answer detailed questions about your low back pain. You will also need to answer general questions about your medical history.

Primary care physicians
Physicians can guide you in managing your own back pain. They may order tests to rule out serious conditions. They may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication. In some cases, they may refer you to other health providers.

Chiropractors
Chiropractors are also called Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). They specialize in disorders of the muscles and skeleton and in manual techniques like spinal manipulation therapy. That focus makes them an appropriate choice for those with low back pain. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose back problems. They can perform manual therapy and recommend back-specific exercises. They can also give advice on how to manage your low back pain on your own. Most chiropractors also provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle for overall health.

Physical therapists
Physical therapists, some of whom are also Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT), treat conditions that limit the ability to move or to perform daily activities. To help prevent loss of mobility in the first place, they design exercise and rehabilitation programs for specific medical conditions. Physical therapists can develop individualized plans for low back pain. They use techniques that will promote your ability to move, reduce your pain, and prevent disability. They can also offer you programs of supervised exercise therapy.

Specialists
Other medical specialists may be involved in managing low back pain if Red flags or other concerns require further evaluation. Such specialists include neurologists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, anesthesiologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (physiatrists), orthopedic surgeons, and psychiatrists.

 
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