Not all spine problems need to be seen by a spine surgeon. The majority of these symptoms are resolved within a few weeks. Initial treatments in all kinds of spine problems are hot/ cold fomentation, local analgesic gel application, spinal braces, activity restrictions, pain medicines, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy. Patients’ family physicians or regular orthopedic surgeon can prescribe this treatment. Pain not subsiding after taking these treatments for a few weeks indicates that there is a significant problem in the spine, which needs to be further evaluated and investigated. In the following situations, a spine specialist’s opinion should be taken:

• Pain not responding to medical treatment
• Pain worsening despite being on treatment
• Nerve compression symptoms (pain/ tingling/ numbness/ loss of sensation in arms or legs/ weakness in arms or legs/ or loss of control over urination or defecation)
• Pain associated with fever
• History of cancer
• History of injury/ trauma.