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Vertebrologist
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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A vertebrologist is a qualified specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system. When answering the question of who a vertebrologist is, it is necessary to separately highlight diseases of the spine - one of the most pressing problems that can affect anyone, regardless of age. As is known, the treatment of such diseases is the responsibility of neurologists and orthopedists. However, relatively recently, a new direction in medicine has emerged that studies the effect of a single vertebra on the body as a whole. And it is the vertebrologist who examines and treats the spine.
When should you see a vertebrologist?
If a person is bothered by painful sensations in the spine at least occasionally, he will probably be interested in the question of when to contact a vertebrologist? If you are bothered by headaches, discomfort and pain in the neck, in the thoracic region or lower back, most likely, the cause of this ailment is problems with the spine, and this is where a vertebrologist will come to the rescue. There are also a number of other symptoms that may require the help of this specialist. Among them are the following:
- Frequent back pain, as well as its intensification;
- Radiation of back pain to other parts of the body;
- Weakness and tingling sensation in the arms or legs;
- Feeling of weakness, rapid fatigue;
- Decreased motor activity of the spine;
- Pain in the heart area (with normal ECG results);
- Sudden increases or sharp drops in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, headache, and increased heart rate;
- Curvature of the spine.
What tests should be taken when visiting a vertebrologist?
If spinal pathologies occur, it would be useful to know what tests need to be taken when visiting a vertebrologist. During a comprehensive examination, a lumbar puncture is performed to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid, a rheumatoid factor is examined, a lupus anticoagulant is tested in the blood, antinuclear antibodies are analyzed, and general blood and urine parameters are also examined.
What diagnostic methods does a vertebrologist use?
When talking about diseases and treatment of the spine, it is worth mentioning what diagnostic methods a vertebrologist uses. To make a diagnosis, a vertebrologist uses X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. These diagnostic methods, thanks to modern technologies, make it possible to study the condition of tissues in detail, which allows you to most accurately determine the root cause and source of pain.
What does a vertebrologist do?
To better understand what a vertebrologist does, it is necessary to differentiate between problems of the musculoskeletal system and diseases associated exclusively with the impact of problems with the spine on the body. Problems arising as a result of damage to the spine are the area of study of a vertebrologist. It is this specialist who studies the impact of each individual vertebra and treats spinal diseases. In medical practice, a vertebrologist uses such methods of treatment as magnetic therapy, vacuum therapy, acupuncture, massage, manual therapy, phonophoresis and electrophoresis, laser therapy, medicinal applications, therapeutic gymnastics, etc.
What diseases does a vertebrologist treat?
Considering the rather large number of all possible pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to highlight which diseases are treated by a vertebrologist.
- intervertebral disc herniation;
- narrowing of the spinal canal;
- change in the shape of the spine;
- spinal neoplasms;
- spinal injuries;
- deviations in the normal development of the spine;
- various degenerative pathologies of the spine.
Advice from a vertebrologist
For prevention and successful treatment of spinal diseases, you should follow the advice of a vertebrologist.
- Distribute physical activity evenly: when lifting heavy objects, keep your back straight and avoid physical overexertion.
- Perform simple gymnastic exercises for the spine every day.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- If you have to sit for a long time, do a little warm-up.
- If you experience back pain, do not neglect the disease and seek help from a specialist in a timely manner.