Orthopedist reco for back issues

Any recommendations for a proactive orthopedist for chronic back issues. Hubby has been to an orthopedist who didn't really run any tests to determine what the issue is. He suggested it's something with a disc and basically told him it's just a middle age thing. Well, he's now in a LOT of pain and it is an ongoing problem. Need a doctor who will be proactive and can see him soon, hopefully....

Thanks in advance.

Maybe a physical therapist would be the best person to see now. With just a few sessions, they can provide pain relief and then identify structural weaknesses.

I found it helpful to have a report from my PT about asymmetries, strengths and weaknesses before I spoke to the doctor.

I wound up at the Summit Medical Group Urgent Care with very serious back pain. They did an MRI and found a bulging lumbar disc, which any kind of PT would have seriously exacerbated. I would suggest trying the SMG Ortho department -- they're very specialized by body part, so ask who their back specialist is. I've had good luck in the past with Dr. Thrower, though not only for back issues (hip as well).

I really like SMG Ortho dept too, but haven't been there for a back issue so can't speak specifically to this.

P.S. I love PT as a general rule, and I was able to use it to get stronger AFTER I'd rested and gotten the pain to subside. For me, it was just a question of what came first. With disc flare-ups, rest comes first.

val said:
I wound up at the Summit Medical Group Urgent Care with very serious back pain. They did an MRI and found a bulging lumbar disc, which any kind of PT would have seriously exacerbated. I would suggest trying the SMG Ortho department -- they're very specialized by body part, so ask who their back specialist is. I've had good luck in the past with Dr. Thrower, though not only for back issues (hip as well).

Wish I had the same experience with Thrower. The guy was totally dismissive of my hip problem -- didn't even examine me or look at me as I was talking to him trying to explain my pain.

Thank you all! He called his ortho and described how much pain he's in and is going to get the MRI he was hoping for. Hopefully he'll get a solid diagnosis and can be on a path to healing.

I appreciate your insight and recommendations.

That's great. MRI is really the first step to identify which disk is affected and in what way. Then you can explore treatment options.

mumstheword said:

val said:
I wound up at the Summit Medical Group Urgent Care with very serious back pain. They did an MRI and found a bulging lumbar disc, which any kind of PT would have seriously exacerbated. I would suggest trying the SMG Ortho department -- they're very specialized by body part, so ask who their back specialist is. I've had good luck in the past with Dr. Thrower, though not only for back issues (hip as well).

Wish I had the same experience with Thrower. The guy was totally dismissive of my hip problem -- didn't even examine me or look at me as I was talking to him trying to explain my pain.

Sorry to hear it -- always amazes me what totally different experiences different people can have with the same practitioner.