Your team of experts could include health professionals ranging from your primary care physician to a pharmacist, all of whom are dedicated to your pain therapy and resolving the cause of your back pain.

If you’re struggling with back pain, it may be some comfort to know that you can assemble a team of trained health care professionals who can help. Depending on the type of your back pain and the pain therapy you need, you may work with all or only a few of the health professionals listed.

Primary care physician. Primary care physicians are generalists with a four-year medical degree and three- to four-year residency training in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics. This is probably the first doctor you will see when you're seeking back pain treatment. Many health insurance programs require a referral from your primary care provider for you to see a back pain specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or chiropractor.

Osteopath. A doctor of osteopathy has a four-year medical degree with an additional 200 hours of training in the musculoskeletal system and spinal manipulation. Doctors of osteopathy consider all factors in your body that could contribute to your back pain.

Orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons go through four years of medical school and five years of residency training in orthopedics and surgery. These professionals specialize in managing problems of the musculoskeletal system — including bones, joints, and connective tissues. Many orthopedic surgeons specialize in particular treatment areas, such as back pain treatment. If you need surgery to stabilize a bone or joint, this is the specialist who will provide that care.

Chiropractor. A chiropractor is a specialist trained to ease back pain through spinal manipulation and other complementary treatments, such as changes in nutrition. These specialists usually have four years of chiropractic training after their undergraduate training. They may also have another two or three years of residency training.

Pain management specialist. When you go to see a specialist specifically for pain, you could be visiting one of several different types of doctors: anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, or physiatrists. Each of these may specialize in pain therapy in addition to their primary specialty training.

Sports medicine specialist. These experts are often family doctors with advanced training in sports medicine, or orthopedic surgeons who gear their practice towards sports medicine.

Nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are nurses who have gone through additional training in order to be able to practice medicine in partnership with a physician. In addition to diagnosing and helping to treat diseases and conditions, nurse practitioners are also dedicated to heath education and prevention.

Physician assistant. Physician assistants are licensed to provide patient care under the guidance of a physician. They usually have just over two years of training in science and medicine in addition to supervised practical experience.

Physical therapist. A physical therapist is trained to help your body heal and to help you find ways to stay active despite pain or disability. You may need a physical therapist to show you gentle strengthening and stretching exercises that will help you manage back pain.

Personal trainer. A personal trainer is trained and certified to help you reach health and fitness goals. As part of back pain management, your personal trainer may help you find ways to exercise without putting your back at risk for further pain and may also help you strengthen core muscles that can help protect your back. Since not all personal trainers are certified, it is a good idea to ask about qualifications.

Pharmacist. A pharmacist is trained in dispensing medications. Your pharmacist is a good resource of information if you are concerned about how to use your pain medication or whether your pain therapy will interfere with other medications you are taking.

Psychotherapist. A mental health professional such as a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker may be needed to work with you on any depression or other emotional concerns that arise because of your back pain. Psychotherapists who are trained in certain pain therapy techniques, such as biofeedback, may also be able to give you some tools to help manage your pain without medication.

Orthotics expert. If you need specialized braces or other types of supports for your back, you may work with an orthotics specialist to make sure that your durable medical equipment fits you correctly and is functioning well.

Acupuncturist. Some people benefit from acupuncture, an ancient Chinese treatment that uses long, thin needles to redirect the energy in the body. Acupuncture may be used to help reduce tension and ease back pain.