Every year, there are millions of people across the country who suffer in silence due to musculoskeletal pain. The good news is that seeing an orthopedic surgeon can lead to a successful treatment of many of these conditions. So, how does an orthopedic doctor differ from a general practitioner?
What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?
Although every orthopedic surgeon is very knowledgeable about the biomechanics of the human body and the musculoskeletal system, many of them tend to specialize in a specific area, such as the feet or the back. In this context, if you are going to a clinic like Panhandle Orthopaedics, it is best to see a person who specializes in the type of issue you have, whether it be back pain or something else.
Typically, an orthopedic surgeon will treat the following kinds of conditions:
- Back pain, including common spinal conditions like Scoliosis
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Sports injuries that affect muscles, bones, and connective tissues
Treatment without Surgery
Perhaps the greatest value in seeing an orthopedic surgeon in Panama City, FL is that they can treat musculoskeletal conditions without surgery. The problem is that many regular doctors and surgeons tend to perform invasive surgery first, and this can cause even more problems in the long run.
An orthopedic doctor will treat conditions non-invasively through the judicious use of medication, exercise programs, massage, alternative therapies, and rehabilitative therapies. This is of great benefit to those who are elderly and frail, those who fear surgery, and those who have already undergone surgical treatments which were unsuccessful.