[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/orthopedics-vs-pmr-who-to-see-for-back-neck-joint-and-nerve-pain\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/orthopedics-vs-pmr-who-to-see-for-back-neck-joint-and-nerve-pain\/","headline":"Orthopedics vs. PM&R: Who to See for Back, Neck, Joint, and Nerve Pain","name":"Orthopedics vs. PM&R: Who to See for Back, Neck, Joint, and Nerve Pain","description":"Orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) both treat conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and nerves, especially in the back and neck. Whereas orthopedics focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, PM&R focuses on restoring function and rehabilitating patients without surgery. Bergen Medical Associates offers both specialties within our","datePublished":"2026-11-05","dateModified":"2026-11-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/author\/bmaadmin\/#Person","name":"BMA","url":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/author\/bmaadmin\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/739926f978e2075ff1252542d7683b64005f39680b89bf687eccfb5e84dd7568?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/739926f978e2075ff1252542d7683b64005f39680b89bf687eccfb5e84dd7568?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Bergen Medical Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/bma-logo-2.png","url":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/bma-logo-2.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-evaluating-patient-arm-motion-300x200.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-evaluating-patient-arm-motion-300x200.jpg","height":"433","width":"650"},"url":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/orthopedics-vs-pmr-who-to-see-for-back-neck-joint-and-nerve-pain\/","about":["News"],"wordCount":1052,"articleBody":"Orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) both treat conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and nerves, especially in the back and neck. Whereas orthopedics focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, PM&R focuses on restoring function and rehabilitating patients without surgery.Bergen Medical Associates offers both specialties within our multi-specialty medical practice in New Jersey. Here, we explore orthopedics vs. PM&R, including what each one treats, what to expect at a physician visit, and when a patient may benefit from both branches of medicine. Key TakeawaysOrthopedic Surgery is a medical and surgical specialty for treating injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles, including joint pain and sports injuries.PM&R, also called physiatry, aims to restore function through non-surgical care, such as exercise and injections.Some patients may benefit from both, with a surgeon handling surgical care and PM&R supporting recovery and pain management afterward.Bergen Medical Associates offers PM&R and orthopedic medicine under one roof, with several convenient locations in New Jersey.What Is Orthopedics, and How Does It Treat Joint Pain and Sports Injuries?Orthopedics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, and muscles. There are several treatment options available, including:Physical therapyBracing and immobilizationInjectionsMedicationsLifestyle modificationsSurgeryOrthopedic surgery covers a wide range of conditions. For instance, sports medicine is an area of orthopedics focused on treating and preventing injuries related to athletic activities. Overall, orthopedic surgeons can address injuries and conditions such as:ArthritisFracturesJoint injuries and disordersNerve disordersOsteoporosisOveruse injuriesSports injuriesSprainsStrainsTendon disordersTraumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal systemReferrals for orthopedic injuries initially evaluated in UrgiCare centers and emergency roomsDislocationsWhat Is PM&R, and How Does It Treat Back, Neck, and Nerve Pain?PM&R, also called physiatry, focuses on restoring function and quality of life for people with impairments affecting the nervous system, muscles, or joints. A doctor who specializes in PM&R is called a physiatrist.About 84% of people experience neck or back pain at some point in their lives. Physiatrists are trained to help identify and improve neck and back pain. Treatment may vary from patient to patient, but PM&R modalities may include:Assistive devicesFunctional rehabilitationInjectionsMedication managementNerve blocksPalliative carePhysical therapyPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapyProstheticsRadiofrequency ablationSpasticity managementSpinal cord stimulationStem cell therapyPhysiatrists may use nerve conduction studies and electromyography, two tests of nerve and muscle function, to help pinpoint the source of nerve pain. PM&R can help treat the following:Chronic joint painComplex regional pain syndromeDegenerative conditionsEpicondylitisFibromyalgiaJoint injuriesMultiple sclerosisMusculoskeletal issuesMyofascial painNeuropathyOsteoarthritisPost-surgical painRadiculopathyRotator cuff tendinopathySpinal cord injuryStroke recoveryTraumatic brain injuryFind Orthopedic and PM&R Specialists Near You in New JerseyIf you are weighing orthopedics vs. physical medicine and rehabilitation for muscle, joint, or nerve pain, Bergen Medical Associates\u2019 specialists can help you explore options for pain relief and recovery. We offer multiple specialties, with a team of more than 40 board-certified physicians, nurses, and highly trained staff serving patients across northern New Jersey. We have locations in Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood, NJ, making it easy to find treatment near you. To learn more or to begin treatment, contact us today.Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedics and PM&RDo I need a referral to make an appointment for orthopedics or PM&R?Many insurance plans require a referral before a patient sees a specialist. If we participate in your insurance program, our team can help you obtain one.Will I receive imaging at the first visit for back or neck pain?Imaging is not always needed at a first visit for back or neck pain. Diagnosis often begins with questions about the pain and daily activities, and X-rays may be used to rule out broken bones. Ultrasound imaging is also available at our Paramus, Montvale, and Emerson offices.How long should I try physical therapy before seeing an orthopedic specialist?Neck or back pain usually improves within a few weeks of modifying activities. Pain lasting more than three months is one sign it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist. Limited range of motion is another.Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon mean I will need surgery?No. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon does not necessarily lead to surgery. Their training qualifies them to determine whether surgery is the right option and, if so, which procedure may give the best results.Can PM&R help relieve pain without surgery?Yes, the purpose of PM&R is to diagnose and treat pain using non-surgical, conservative methods. Through various techniques like physical therapy and nerve blocks, PM&R physicians help to relieve pain without surgery.Can an orthopedic specialist help with chronic pain, even if there is no injury?Yes, an orthopedic specialist can help with chronic pain even if there isn\u2019t an injury. They also treat degenerative conditions and chronic pain without a known cause using several non-surgical techniques.What is the goal of physical rehabilitation?Rehabilitation aims to help a person reach the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. It can help restore a person to their best possible health.Should I see my primary care doctor before seeing an orthopedic specialist?A primary care doctor can be a good first step when the cause of muscle, bone, or joint symptoms is unclear. For most musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions, starting directly with an orthopedic specialist is also often reasonable.When might someone need both an orthopedic surgeon and a physiatrist? Orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists can work together, with each specialist’s skills complementing the other’s. After a spinal cord injury, for example, a surgeon may evaluate the stability of the spine and perform surgery if needed, while a physiatrist may help the patient regain daily function and manage pain and muscle spasms. If new nerve symptoms develop, a physiatrist may begin a diagnostic evaluation and consult a surgeon about whether additional surgery is needed."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Orthopedics vs. PM&R: Who to See for Back, Neck, Joint, and Nerve Pain","item":"https:\/\/www.bergenmed.com\/orthopedics-vs-pmr-who-to-see-for-back-neck-joint-and-nerve-pain\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]