At Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists, our specialty-trained back doctor in Wichita is an expert in providing evaluation and treatment for back injuries and conditions.
Back doctors are medical experts who have advanced training in diagnosing and treating people with back pain. The kinds of back issues that back doctors treat range from sports medicine injuries to degenerative conditions, like arthritis, to spinal conditions. The care this doctor offers can help reduce any immediate pain issues, address the underlying problem that is causing the pain, and restore the patient to better health.
Sometimes, a patient with back pain will make an appointment at a primary care clinic to see their family physician. This primary care physician may be able to help manage the pain; however, if the back pain is severe or it is believed that back surgery or spine surgery is required, he or she will refer the patient to a back specialist.
Back pain can be caused by an issue with the spine. The spine includes all the vertebrae that extend from the skull down to the small of the back. The spine also protects and encloses the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that connects most parts of the body to the brain. An example of a spine condition that causes back pain is when a spinal disc has moved out of alignment, and the spinal cord nerves become pinched. A doctor who specializes in the back can offer both advice and medical treatment that can lead to pain relief for this and other conditions.
Depending on the injury or condition, a doctor may recommend a minimally invasive or nonsurgical approach, like working with a physical therapist, which may bring relief from back pain. In other cases, the problem may require back or spine surgery at a hospital or surgical center. To prepare a patient for back surgery, the doctor will not only explain the procedure but also help the patient prepare for it and understand what to expect after surgery and during the recovery and rehabilitation phases.
Back Symptoms of Concern
These experiences and symptoms can be related to back problems and may be familiar to you:
- Aches and pain in the legs
- Back spasms
- Back that appears curved
- Neck pain
- Numbness
- Pain after lifting heavy items
- Throbbing pain
Common Back Conditions & Injuries
A back physician or surgeon may diagnose you with one of the following back injuries or conditions:
- Back arthritis
- Facet syndrome
- Fracture
- Herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
Exceptional Back Care at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists
When you visit Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists in Wichita, you’ll meet with our specialty-trained back doctor, Dr. Camden Whitaker. Dr. Whitaker and all our fellowship-trained medical experts treat patients just like you, helping restore them to better health and an improved quality of life. They not only provide medical care, but they also have a deep understanding of the challenges patients with back issues face and know how to listen to and address your questions and concerns.
Our back specialist always strives to recommend a nonsurgical treatment option first. Through his diagnostic process, he will be able to determine if a nonoperative treatment, such as physical therapy or medication, will be the best approach.
However, if back surgery is needed, our back expert will apply his advanced skills to perform the surgery, using our state-of-the-art technology. Whether you need spine surgery or another procedure, he'll be with you every step of the way, from your first consultation, during your procedure, and through your recovery and rehabilitation.
Your Appointment
We know patients have questions and concerns, and we are here to address them. You may have read about minimally invasive spine surgery and are wondering if this option could be right for you. Or, maybe your primary care doctor talked to you about pain management specialists, orthopaedic surgery, or orthopaedic spine care, but you still have questions. We're here to discuss these and other topics with you.
Our doctor in Wichita can assess and diagnose your condition and consult with you about what care approach may be best for you.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our back specialist by phone at (316) 219-8299 or by using the request an appointment button below. We have convenient office locations in Wichita and Anthony.
