What Is a Spine Doctor?
Spine doctors--also called orthopedic surgeons--are specialists who treat back problems. They undergo advanced training and certification for treatment of spine conditions, and they are members of specialized professional organizations that represent their interests and the field of medicine in which they practice.-
Focus
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Spine doctors specialize in diseases and injuries of the back and spinal cord. These can range from degenerative disc disease, tumors, scoliosis and spinal deformities to whiplash, sprains, sciatica and fractures of the vertebrae.
Training
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After completing a four-year college program and four years of medical school, spine surgeons spend a year in an internship program and then four or five years in an orthopedic surgery residency program. Following the residency program, they continue on to fellowship training in problems of the spine for two to four years, depending on how specialized the doctor chooses to become.
Certification
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The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certifies that spine doctors have met specific educational, evaluation and examination requirements. In order to receive board certification, spine surgeons must graduate from an accredited residency program, practice orthopedic surgery for a minimum of two years and successfully pass the national board examination. Once certified, spine doctors must continue to train in the latest knowledge and techniques, retaking and passing tests that are updated regularly, in order to maintain certification throughout their careers.
Professional associations
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There are several professional associations that represent spine doctors and their profession. The largest two are the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the North American Spine Society.
Finding a spine surgeon
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Finding a local spine surgeon is easy, thanks to information offered by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the North American Spine Society. The websites for both organizations offer services to find a nearby spine doctor.
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