Who should I see for back pain? Let's learn about an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Do your knees hurt when you get out of bed in the morning? Or do you get back pain in the evening after sitting in a chair all day? Maybe you twisted your ankle while playing sports, and the pain hasn't subsided yet? We all experience pain and discomfort in our bodies, bones, joints, and muscles at some point in our lives. So, today we will talk in detail about who exactly is the doctor we should see at a time like this, and how they can help us.

Who exactly is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Simply put, this is a doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders related to the musculoskeletal system of our body, that is, bones, joints, and muscles. We sometimes call them 'bone doctors'. In English, this specialist is also called an `Orthopedic Surgeon` or `Orthopedicist`.

They mainly focus on problems that occur in the 'Musculoskeletal System' of our body, that is, the bone and muscle system. Let's see what belongs to this system.

• Bones: The skeleton that gives shape and strength to our bodies.
• Joints: Places where bones connect to each other (e.g. knee, elbow).
• Cartilage: A smooth, protective covering that prevents bones from rubbing against each other at joints.
• Ligaments: Strong tissues that connect bones to each other and stabilize joints.
• Muscles: Tissues that help the body move.
• Tendons: Strong tissues that connect muscles to bones.
• Nerves: The system that carries signals from the brain throughout the body. Sometimes, nerves can become pinched due to problems with bones or joints.

The main task of these specialist doctors is to resolve any pain, disorder, or condition that occurs anywhere in this system and help you resume your daily activities without pain.

What are the common medical conditions that these doctors treat?

The range of diseases treated by orthopedic surgeons is very wide. They range from congenital problems, to injuries caused by accidents, to conditions that develop as we age. Let's take a look at some of the most important ones.

Are Rheumatologist and Orthopedic Surgeon the same thing? What's the difference?

This is something that many people get confused about. A `Rheumatologist` and an `Orthopedic Surgeon` are two different people. Although they both treat diseases related to bones, joints, and muscles, the way they look at the problem and the methods of treatment are different.

Let's understand this difference a little more clearly.

But these two types of specialists often work together. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist will prescribe medication to control your condition. But if your knee joint has become severely worn out due to the disease, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for joint replacement surgery.

Are there any other subspecialties in bone diseases?

Yes. Absolutely. Like other medical fields, there are more in-depth specializations in bone and joint diseases. In addition to a general orthopedic specialist, some doctors receive further training in a specific area.

• Foot and ankle surgery: Specializes in complex problems that occur in our feet.
• Hand and upper extremity surgery: Problems related to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
• Joint replacement: Specialists in the surgical replacement of worn-out joints such as the hip and knee.
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery: Treatment of problems with the skeletal system of young children and growing children.
• Spine surgery: Specialists who treat complex conditions of the back and neck.
• Sports medicine: Expertise in the prevention and treatment of injuries in athletes.
• Orthopedic oncology: Treatment of cancerous tumors that occur in the bones and soft tissues.
• Orthopedic trauma: Treatment of complex fractures and injuries caused by serious accidents.

When should you see a bone and joint specialist?

If you continue to have one or more of the following symptoms, it is very important to see a general practitioner and, if necessary, be referred to a bone and joint specialist.

What happens on the first day you go to see the doctor?

It's normal to feel a little nervous when you go to see a specialist. But knowing what to expect beforehand can help ease that fear. Here are some things that usually happen during your first appointment.

1. Talking about your symptoms: The doctor will ask you many questions, including how your pain is, how long you've had it, when it gets worse, what other medications you take, your occupation, and your lifestyle.

2. Physical examination: The painful joint or body part is examined. It can be bent, stretched, and moved in different directions.

3. Investigations: You may be asked to do something like an X-ray to understand the exact problem. Sometimes, if further details are needed, a CT scan or MRI scan may also be recommended.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment: Most of the time, based on this information, the doctor will explain your condition and describe a treatment plan that suits you. However, sometimes a definitive diagnosis can only be made after test results, such as an MRI, are received.

When I go to an orthopedic doctor, do I necessarily have to have an operation?

This is the main fear that many people have. But the answer is 'no' . An orthopedic surgeon is not just someone who performs surgery. They are also experts in non-surgical treatments.

Generally, except in cases of serious injury or certain birth defects, doctors will always try non-surgical treatments first. Only if those treatments fail to produce a successful result will surgery be considered.

So, what are nonsurgical therapies?

• Wearing special equipment: Things like braces, slings, plaster of Paris (casts) or splints that help the limb stay still and heal.
• Joint Injections: Injecting steroid medications, such as cortisone, into the joint to reduce pain and swelling.
• Medications: Painkillers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, etc.
• Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion in joints, and reduce pain.
• Occupational Therapy: Training in how to easily perform daily tasks (such as dressing, cooking) despite pain.
• PRP therapy (Platelet-rich plasma therapy): A modern treatment method that uses platelets from the patient's own blood to accelerate the healing of damaged tissue.
• Orthotics: Specially designed inserts that are placed inside shoes to correct the position of the foot and reduce pressure on the foot while walking.

What kind of surgeries do these doctors perform?

If surgery is necessary, there are different types of surgery that can be tailored to your condition.

Joint replacement surgery

• Total hip replacement
• Total and partial knee replacement
• Total shoulder replacement

Hand and upper limb surgeries

• Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (Carpal tunnel release)
• Rotator cuff tear repair (Rotator cuff surgery)
• Trigger finger surgery

Spinal surgery

• Surgery to relieve nerve compression (Spinal decompression, Laminectomy)
• Spinal fusion

Surgery for sports injuries

• Meniscus surgery
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair