Orthopedic and pain care: choosing where to seek assessment

Orthopedic and pain services can overlap in the symptoms and treatments they address. Rather than assuming one only performs surgery and the other only provides nonsurgical care, choose an assessment based on symptoms and clinical need.

Describing symptoms

Explain when pain began, whether an injury occurred and whether you have numbness or limited movement. Seek timely appropriate care for a severe injury or rapidly changing symptoms.

Choosing treatment

The suitability of medication, rehabilitation, injections or surgery depends on the diagnosis and condition. No method is always less burdensome or free of hospital care.

Key points

• Start with symptoms and assessment, not a specialty label.
• Choose tests and care for the individual condition.
• Confirm costs and insurance against current service and policy terms.

If you are unsure where to seek care, describe your symptoms first.

This article provides general medical information. Results vary by person.