What department should you visit for lower back pain?
Sep 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, the causes of low back pain vary, and the appropriate department for medical consultation depends on the specific cause. Common departments include orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, urology, gynecology, and pain management. It is recommended that when low back pain occurs, one should first observe any accompanying symptoms to determine the probable cause, and then choose the corresponding department accordingly. After consultation, follow the doctor's instructions to complete the necessary examinations and treatments.
Generally, the causes of low back pain vary, and the appropriate department for medical consultation depends on the underlying condition. Common departments include orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, urology, gynecology, and pain management. The details are as follows:
1. Orthopedics: If low back pain is related to injuries of the bones, joints, or muscles, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar vertebral fracture, lumbar muscle strain, or lumbar osteophyte formation, it is recommended to visit the orthopedic department. Orthopedics can determine the condition of the bones and surrounding tissues through imaging examinations.
2. Rehabilitation Medicine: If low back pain is caused by chronic muscle strain, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, or functional recovery is needed after treatment in orthopedics, consultation with the rehabilitation medicine department is recommended. This department primarily uses physical therapy and exercise training to relieve muscle tension, improve lumbar function, and reduce pain.
3. Urology: If low back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, or hematuria, it may be related to urinary system diseases, such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, or pyelonephritis. In such cases, consultation with the urology department is advised. Urology can identify urinary tract abnormalities through examinations and provide targeted treatment.
4. Gynecology: For women experiencing low back pain along with menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal distension, or abnormal vaginal discharge, the cause may be related to gynecological conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. It is recommended to visit the gynecology department, where gynecological exams and ultrasound imaging can determine the cause and guide treatment.
5. Pain Management: If low back pain is persistent, severe in intensity, or does not improve after treatment in other departments, consultation with the pain management department is recommended. This department specializes in diagnosing and treating various acute and chronic pain conditions, using methods such as medication, nerve blocks, and minimally invasive interventions to precisely relieve pain and improve patients' quality of life.
When experiencing low back pain, it is recommended to initially observe any accompanying symptoms to identify the likely cause and choose the appropriate department accordingly. After consultation, follow the doctor's instructions for examinations and treatment, keep the lower back warm, avoid excessive fatigue, and reduce strain on the lower back.
