The Spine Physician

Many chronic disorders of the spine involve progressive degenerative changes. Degenerative changes occur at various levels of the spine and progress at different rates in each person. The care of these disorders is best addressed by a spine physician such as the chiropractic physician, the neurosurgeon or the cooperative approach from both.

BENEFITS OF COOPERATIVE SPINECARE

•  Reduce the likelihood of unnecessary or duplicative testing

•  Broaden therapeutic options

•  Optimize continuity of spinecare

•  Early detection of spinal disorders at  varying stages of development

•  Improved patient recovery

•  Reduced cost of spinecare

YOUR SPINE: INTRICATE AND COMPLEX

The human spinal column provides flexibility for movement, support for weight bearing and protection of nerve fibers, which comprise the spinal cord and nerve roots. The dynamic and supportive properties of the normal spine are provided by 25 moveable vertebrae, over 100 elaborate joints, 24 intervertebral discs, more than 220 specialized ligaments, an intricate network of blood vessels and countless specialized nerve endings. There are 31 pairs of large spinal nerves, which travel from the spine to other regions of the body. There are hundreds of small nerve fibers which connect directly to structures of the spine through countless specialized nerve endings.

The complexity of the spine requires the care of one who is experienced in spinecare, thus the benefit of using a spine physician.

PREVALENCE OF SPINE DISORDERS

Experts estimate that approximately 80% of Americans will experience a significant back problem during the course of their life. The direct and indirect costs associated with back pain cost are about 50 billion dollars annually. As many as 50 percent of all working Americans have back symptoms each year and as many as one third of adults sought professional care for a back problem during the last five years. Thus there is a growing demand for the doctor who has expertise in spinecare, the spine physician.

SPECTRUM OF SPINAL DISEASE

Many chronic disorders of the spine involve progressive degenerative changes. Degenerative changes occur at various levels of the spine and progress at different rates in each person. The care of these disorders is best addressed by a spine physician such as the chiropractic physician, the neurosurgeon or the cooperative approach from both.

THE SPINE PHYSICIAN

There are many specialized areas within the healthier field. Examples include cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology and gastroenterology. The specialties were developed out of demand due to complexity of certain systems of the body. The spinal column and related areas of the nervous system represent one of the most complicated systems of the body thus the emergence of the spine care specialties.

The term spine physician refers to a chiropractic physician or neurosurgeon who has specialized training and experience in the care of the spine.

Their specialized training includes the study of spine anatomy, spine biomechanics, biochemistry, genetics, neurophysiology, neurology and pharmacology.

Training also includes the study of general medicine and those conditions which could involve or afflict the spine. Some spine physicians will go on to train in spine surgery while others will specialize in a physical medicine approach which encompasses clinical biomechanics, spinal manipulation and spinal rehabilitation. Spine physicians are highly trained in the application of advanced diagnostic technology such as computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electrodiagnostic evaluation.