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When back or spine problems persist, figuring out where to go for care can be confusing. Should you see a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? A neurologist or rehabilitation specialist? And if you see a spine surgeon, does that mean you'll need surgery?

Spine conditions often cross medical specialties, which is why getting the right diagnosis is an important first step, say Mayo Clinic spine experts Benjamin Elder, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon, and Mel Helgeson, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon.

"The optimum benefit is that patients get thorough evaluations from multiple clinicians with different perspectives to figure out the best route forward," Elder says.

At Mayo Clinic Spine Centers in Arizona, Florida, Rochester and northwest Wisconsin, patients with a range of spinal conditions can be evaluated by specialists across neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine and other areas. The goal is to understand what is driving a patient's symptoms and determine the most appropriate path forward.

"Our model of care removes any bias that might drive spinal treatment," Helgeson says. "We can communicate with other professionals on the team and focus on doing what is right for each individual patient."

That broader perspective can be particularly important because symptoms that seem to stem from the spine may occur alongside neurological or other medical problems. Specialists can review records and imaging, and they can coordinate additional testing or consultations when needed.

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