Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care, and in many cases, it can be managed with non-surgical treatments and self-care. But what if your back pain is getting worse instead of better? Knowing when to see a spine surgeon can make the difference between long-term relief and chronic pain.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our Spine Center of Excellence in Allentown, PA, offers expert care for a wide range of spinal conditions. Fellowship-trained spine surgeons like Dr. Omar Fareedi, alongside Dr. Stephen Falatyn, Dr. Robert Wertz II and a dedicated clinical team, specialize in advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive spine surgery, and personalized treatment plans. If you’re searching for a spine doctor near me or wondering when to see a spine surgeon, we’re here to help.
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Here’s what you should know about identifying serious spine problems, conservative care options, and when surgical consultation is appropriate.
Warning Signs That May Indicate a Serious Spine Condition
While many cases of back pain resolve within a few weeks, certain symptoms may signal a more serious underlying cause. You should seek medical help from a spine specialist if you experience:
- Persistent Pain: Back pain lasting several weeks despite home treatments like rest, heat therapy, or over-the-counter pain medications.
- Shooting Pain: A sharp, shooting pain radiating down one or both legs, often associated with conditions like sciatica or nerve compression.
- Numbness or Tingling: These sensations in your legs, feet, or other parts of your lower body may signal nerve involvement.
- Weakness: Feeling like your legs or arms are weak or cannot support your body weight as they should.
- Difficulty Moving or Standing: Limited range of motion or severe pain when bending, twisting, or performing routine activities is a concern.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: This requires immediate medical help, as it could indicate a serious condition known as cauda equina syndrome.
These red flags suggest potential spine disorders such as herniated disks, spinal stenosis, ruptured disks, vertebral fractures, or even tumors. A spine surgeon can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Differences Between Manageable Pain and Surgical Cases
Not all back pain requires surgery. However, certain conditions necessitate evaluation by a spine surgeon. Knowing the differences between manageable pain and surgical cases can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Manageable Pain
For most patients, common back issues such as muscle strains, mild vertebrae misalignment, or occasional stiffness respond well to non-surgical measures. Symptoms like dull pain or temporary changes in mobility are often due to factors like heavy lifting or poor posture.
Surgical Cases
Structural problems such as herniated discs, ruptured disks, spinal stenosis, or fractures may require surgical intervention to restore function or relieve severe pain. If conservative treatments fail to relieve discomfort or if symptoms progressively worsen, a minimally invasive spine surgery or another advanced procedure may be recommended to address the underlying cause of the issue.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques, which offer shorter recovery times and less disruption compared to traditional methods.
Conservative Treatments to Try First
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our Spine Center of Excellence is dedicated to patient-focused, minimally invasive care. Whenever possible, our team recommends starting with non-surgical treatments designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life.
Before considering surgery, many patients benefit from an individualized treatment plan that may include:
- Physical Therapy: Customized rehabilitation programs help strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and ease spinal strain. Your physical therapist will provide exercises tailored to your condition.
- Pain Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Heat or Ice Therapy: Alternating between heat and ice can soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining proper posture during movements, and using ergonomically supportive furniture can prevent strain on your back.
- Weight Management: Excess weight increases the pressure on the spine. Losing weight can alleviate symptoms and reduce your risk of developing arthritis or other spinal disorders over time.
Our physician-led team works closely with each patient to determine the right approach, and we prioritize conservative care whenever appropriate. For conditions such as osteoporosis, sciatica, herniated discs, and more, many patients find that a thoughtful combination of conservative therapies can provide meaningful relief and delay or even avoid the need for surgery.
If conservative care is not sufficient, our spine specialists are leaders in advanced, minimally invasive techniques that can help restore spine health with less disruption and faster recovery.
The Role of Spine Surgeons at OAA Orthopedic Specialists
If non-surgical treatment is no longer providing sufficient relief, the fellowship-trained spine surgeons at OAA’s Spine Center of Excellence are here to help. Our expert team, including Dr. Fareedi, Dr. Falatyn, Dr. Wertz II, and supported by PA-C providers Kelly Evans and Pooja Peters, offers advanced diagnostic expertise and the latest in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
When surgery is recommended, our spine surgeons specialize in approaches that:
- Preserve healthy tissue to support faster healing
- Minimize incision size and post-operative discomfort
- Help patients return to activity more quickly compared to traditional surgical methods
- Address the underlying cause of pain, restoring spinal function and quality of life
The Spine Center of Excellence team treats a full spectrum of spinal conditions, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis and spinal deformities
- Fractures and instability
- Spine tumors
- Osteoporosis-related fractures
- Sciatica and nerve compression
Our approach is always patient-focused and conservative-first, meaning surgery is only recommended when truly appropriate. If you’ve been searching for an experienced back pain specialist near me or a spine doctor near me in Allentown, you’ll find trusted, compassionate care at OAA Orthopedic Specialists.
What to Expect During a Spine Surgery Consultation
Your first visit with an OAA spine surgeon is focused on:
- Reviewing your medical history and any prior tests
- Conducting a physical examination to assess mobility, strength, reflexes, and nerve function
- Ordering or reviewing diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays
- Discussing treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical
- Answering questions about risks, benefits, recovery time, and expected outcomes
We take a patient-centered approach, so you will never be rushed into surgery. Our team explains each step of the process and partners with you to develop a plan that supports your long-term spine health and quality of life.
Get Expert Spine Care at OAA Orthopedic Specialists
If you’ve been wondering when to see a spine surgeon or if your back pain is progressing despite treatment, OAA Orthopedic Specialists can help. Our Spine Center of Excellence offers expert diagnosis, personalized treatment for chronic back pain, and advanced surgical care when necessary.
Request an appointment today at our Allentown location and get started on the path to better spine health.
