Seek immediate medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by any of the following:

• It follows a serious injury or trauma, such as a fall or car accident
• Fever
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe weakness or numbness in both legs
• Unexplained weight loss

These may be signs of a more serious condition, such as a spinal fracture.

In most cases, you’ll want to talk to your primary care doctor first to evaluate your pain and review your medical history. A spine specialist can offer a more targeted diagnosis and advanced treatment options. Your PCP may suggest non-surgical treatments before referring you to a spine specialist, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and injections.

You should consider seeing a spine specialist if your pain:

• Causes numbness, tingling or weakness in your limbs
• Has lasted more than 4–6 weeks despite rest and over-the-counter treatments
• Started after an injury
• Radiates down your arm or leg

Patients should check with their insurance to confirm coverage before scheduling. Some insurance plans may require a referral.

Typically, you’ll need a referral and imaging completed within the last 6 months. Many insurance providers require a referral from a primary care doctor before covering specialist visits. However, some plans allow you to see a specialist without a referral.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider before scheduling to confirm your coverage and referral requirements.

Please bring the following to your first visit:

• Detailed history of symptoms and treatments, including when your symptoms started and any pain triggers
• List of questions for the care team

Being as specific as possible about your pain – including its location, severity and how it affects daily activities – will help your specialist make a more accurate assessment.

Seeking a second opinion before spine surgery is not only acceptable – it’s encouraged. Second opinions help confirm the diagnosis, ensure surgery is truly necessary and give you added confidence in your treatment plan. Respected spine care providers will support your decision to seek additional professional opinions, and many insurance plans cover second opinion consultations.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual.

Minimally invasive procedures may allow you to return to light activities within a few weeks, while more complex surgeries such as spinal fusion may require 3–6 months for full recovery.

Your care team will provide a personalized recovery plan with clear milestones.

Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary spine treatments and surgery. Coverage for conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and injections, varies by plan.

It’s important to verify your benefits, obtain any required pre-authorizations and understand your out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.