You should consult a spine and pain specialist when you have taken non-surgical treatment and home remedies, or over the counter painkillers and it still hasn't alleviated your pain.

A spine and pain specialist will usually recommend different types of treatments including:
1. Injections
2. Nerve blocks
3. Physical therapy
4. Implantable devices
5. Surgery
6. Trigger point injections

Like any other doctor, a spine and pain specialist should complete an MBBS degree (5.5. yrs) and then follow it up with a specialisation in orthopaedics treatment MD or DNB (3 yrs). They need further training as a spine and pain specialist before practicing for the same.

While an orthopaedic surgeon and a spine specialist have roles that match each other's, for instance, an orthopaedic surgeon also treats spinal conditions, a spine specialist's main specialisation is treating the spine.

A spine and pain specialist can perform surgery as they have a relevant orthopaedic surgeon's degree and training as part of their education.