Patient Resources
When should I see a neurologist for back pain?
Short answer
See a neurologist when back pain is accompanied by pain traveling into a leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness, or when pain persists despite treatment. Those features suggest that a nerve or nerve root may be involved.
Understanding this
Most back pain is muscular or mechanical. A neurological evaluation becomes useful when symptoms suggest that a nerve root is irritated or compressed — a condition called radiculopathy — or when a nerve problem elsewhere is producing the symptoms instead.
Distinguishing radiculopathy from peripheral neuropathy matters, because the two are evaluated and managed differently even though both can cause numbness and tingling.
Symptoms and signs
- Pain radiating from the back into the buttock, thigh, or foot
- Numbness or tingling in a specific area of the leg or foot
- Weakness, foot drop, or a change in walking
- Symptoms worse with certain positions, coughing, or straining
- Pain that persists despite conservative treatment
How it is evaluated
- Detailed history and neurological examination
- Review of prior imaging and records
- MRI or other imaging when appropriate
- EMG and nerve conduction studies when clinically indicated
- Treatment recommendations based on findings
When to seek care
- Seek emergency care for loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly progressive weakness.
- Seek prompt care for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or after significant trauma.
Emergency symptoms
Need a Neurologist?
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
In-Person Neurology Visits
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Call to schedule
Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Choose your visit
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.