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If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

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My husband has degenerative discs in his lower back, and has finally submitted to seeing a back doctor. Would that be a neurosurgeon or what kind of doctor would be the best for that? He has been dealing with this problem for years, and does not like the idea of taking pain pills so much. He has a job where he needs a clear head and doesn t want to be on medication so much. Thank youBecki Turner

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Hi there, thanks for your question at ChatDoctorFor most spinal problems both specially trained orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons may be considered. In both specialties, the surgeons may sub specialize in pediatrics, cervical spine, lumbar spine etc. So it is advisable to do research on the training of your doctor before your first visit, to choose better. Degenerative disc disease is usually associated with low back pain symptoms that flare up periodically, but don't get worse over time(can stabilize to a plateau after a few years if not associated with instability or nerve compression). The main goals for managing such lower back pain are : 1. Adequate pain relief to be able to engage in exercises and rehabilitation program for back-can be achieved through analgesics and physiotherapy which might include ultrasound massage, short wave diathermy, heat therapy. Also core stabilization and back strengthening exercises will help support his back in the long run.2. Avoid excess stress on the disc through proper ergonomics and posture. I would suggest you to go through websites on ergonomics. Ergonomics is branch of science which deals with posture adjustments according your livelihood. It will help you choose a posture most suited for his daily routine.  Most commonly Low backache can be attributed to bad posture or muscle pull/ strain due to abnormal stress on back like sudden twisting movements or lifting weights etc. Pain restricted to neck only and which is not shooting down the arms is suggestive of pain arising from the muscles, joints, bones or disc. Pain arising from the nerves usually shoots down the arm into fingers and associated with numbness. Analgesics either taken orally as tablets or as local applications in the form gel or lotions have smoothening effect and relive pain most of the time. Ice gel application can help during the initial few days. If the pain still persists after medications for a week physiotherapy under prescription in the form of back strengthening exercises, ultrasonic massage can help. If the pain persists for an over 6 weeks, I would suggest him to visit an Orthopedic/ neurosurgeon, so that at least a baseline X-ray and thorough examination can be done. Based on these and her response to medicines and physiotherapy, he might require an MRI. But back pain usually resolves with medicines, rest and physiotherapy in the majority of patients suffering from the same. Hope this helps. All the best. Regards. Chat Doctor. 