Who do i see if I hurt my back

Hello,
In Belgium, you can first go to your general practitioner. They will be able to refer you to the best healthcare professional for your situation.

Kind regards,
Hansoulle Thomas.

If you hurt your back, the right person to see depends on the severity and type of pain you’re experiencing. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP)
• Good for: Mild to moderate back pain, first-time issues, or if you’re not sure what’s wrong.
• They can: Diagnose, prescribe meds, recommend rest or physical therapy, and refer you to a specialist if needed.

2. Chiropractor
• Good for: Muscular pain, misalignment, or stiffness (especially if you’ve had success with chiropractic care before).
• Note: Make sure it’s not a serious injury like a fracture before going.

3. Physical Ther...apist
• Good for: Rehab from strain, sprain, or long-term back issues.
• Usually requires: A referral from your doctor, depending on your insurance.

4. Orthopedic Doctor
• Good for: Suspected issues with bones, discs, or spine (e.g., herniated disc, sciatica, fractures).

5. Neurologist or Pain Specialist
• Good for: Nerve-related back pain (e.g., numbness, tingling, shooting pain down the leg).

6. Emergency Room / Urgent Care
• Go here if:
• You have sudden severe pain after trauma.
• You lose control of your bladder/bowels.
• You feel weakness or numbness in your legs.
• You can’t move easily or at all.

If you’re unsure, starting with your primary care doctor is a safe move — they can help guide you. Want help figuring out which type of pain you’re dealing with? Read more

osteopath