Specialist Decision Guide
Which spine doctor for Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis)?
Spondylosis refers to degenerative arthritis of the spine. When symptoms are primarily axial pain without significant neurologic involvement, patients are commonly evaluated by primary care or a physiatrist who can direct activity modification, anti-inflammatory management, and targeted PT.
Educational content. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a qualified clinician can evaluate your symptoms.
Typical first-contact specialist
Primary Care Physician
Recommendation by care stage
New pain — just started
Primary Care Physician
Most spondylosis can begin with a primary care evaluation, NSAIDs, and activity guidance.
Already diagnosed — have imaging
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R / Physiatrist)
Physiatrist-directed care optimizes non-surgical management.
Find one near youTried conservative care — not working
Interventional Pain Management
Facet blocks and RFA can provide meaningful relief for refractory spondylotic facet pain.
Find one near youConsidering surgery — evaluating options
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Surgical evaluation only when conservative care has failed and there is structural nerve compression.
Find one near youWhen to escalate to a surgeon
When spondylosis causes significant nerve compression (radiculopathy) or spinal cord compression (myelopathy), escalation to a spine surgeon for evaluation is appropriate.
Other specialists who evaluate Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis)
Educational content. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a qualified clinician can evaluate your symptoms.