Which Department

Which department should I see for long-lasting back pain?

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Orthopedics(정형외과) is generally the first department to visit for persistent back pain, as it covers most musculoskeletal causes. If the pain involves nerve-related symptoms such as leg tingling or weakness, Neurosurgery(신경외과) may also be considered, and Pain Medicine(마취통증의학과) is often involved when pain management is the primary concern.

Which department

  1. 1Orthopedics(정형외과)
    Orthopedics handles conditions affecting the spine, discs, joints, and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Most cases of long-lasting back pain originate from musculoskeletal structures, making this the typical first point of contact. — First / second line: In general, visiting an orthopedic clinic(의원) first is common for persistent but non-emergency back pain. A referral to a larger hospital(병원) is typically arranged if imaging or specialist care is needed.
  2. 2Neurosurgery(신경외과)
    Neurosurgery addresses back pain that may involve spinal nerve compression, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, particularly when leg pain, numbness, or weakness accompanies the back pain. — First / second line: Patients are often referred to neurosurgery from a primary clinic when nerve involvement is suspected. Some patients visit a neurosurgery clinic directly if neurological symptoms are prominent from the start.
  3. 3Rehabilitation Medicine(재활의학과)
    Rehabilitation Medicine focuses on restoring function and managing chronic pain through non-surgical approaches, including evaluation of posture, movement patterns, and physical capacity. — First / second line: This department is commonly involved after an initial diagnosis has been made elsewhere, or when the pain is chronic and functional improvement is the main goal. A referral from another department is typical.
  4. 4Pain Medicine(마취통증의학과)
    Pain Medicine specializes in evaluating and managing pain conditions that persist despite initial treatment, using a comprehensive approach to pain mechanisms. It is particularly relevant when pain control itself becomes the central issue. — First / second line: Patients generally reach this department after being seen by orthopedics or neurosurgery, or when pain has been ongoing without sufficient relief. In Korea, some clinics specializing in pain medicine accept direct visits.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control along with back pain requires emergency care immediately.
  • Severe back pain following a fall, accident, or direct trauma to the spine should be evaluated in an emergency room without delay.
  • Back pain accompanied by progressive leg weakness or inability to walk warrants urgent assessment rather than a routine clinic visit.
  • Intense back pain with high fever and chills may indicate a serious infection and should be treated as an emergency.
  • Back pain in a person with a known history of cancer that is rapidly worsening should prompt an emergency evaluation.

Before your visit

  • Note when the back pain started and whether it began suddenly or gradually.
  • Describe any specific movements, postures, or situations that make the pain better or worse.
  • Record whether you experience any associated symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs.
  • Bring a list of any medications, supplements, or treatments you have already tried for this pain.
  • If you have had any prior imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans, bring the results or reports with you.
  • Note any relevant medical history such as previous spine injuries, surgeries, or conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes.

General principles

Long-lasting back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a clinic in Korea, and the appropriate department depends largely on the suspected cause. Musculoskeletal causes, such as disc problems or muscle strain, are typically handled by orthopedics, while nerve-related findings may shift care toward neurosurgery. In practice, these two departments often work in close coordination.

In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally recommended to start at a local clinic(의원) rather than going directly to a large hospital. If the condition requires advanced imaging, specialist consultation, or surgical evaluation, the primary clinic will typically issue a referral letter(진료의뢰서), which is important for insurance coverage at secondary or tertiary hospitals.

Imaging such as X-ray and MRI is commonly used to help evaluate the structural causes of back pain, but the decision about which studies are appropriate is made by the attending physician based on the clinical assessment. The role of these tests is to support diagnosis, not to replace the clinical consultation.

Pain Medicine plays a distinct role in that it approaches back pain from the perspective of pain neuroscience and management strategy rather than structural correction alone. This department is particularly relevant when pain has persisted for a prolonged period or when it has not responded sufficiently to earlier interventions.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or a large hospital first for back pain in Korea?

In general, starting at a local orthopedic or neurosurgery clinic(의원) is the recommended approach for non-emergency back pain. Going directly to a large hospital without a referral letter is possible but may result in higher out-of-pocket costs under the Korean health insurance system. A local clinic can assess your condition and provide a referral if needed.

How is orthopedics different from neurosurgery for back pain?

Both departments treat back pain, but their focus differs. Orthopedics tends to approach the spine from a structural and musculoskeletal perspective, while neurosurgery focuses more on the nerves and spinal cord. In practice, which department is more appropriate depends on the specific findings, and a doctor at one department will often refer you to the other if needed.

What kinds of examinations are generally done for long-lasting back pain?

Physicians typically begin with a physical examination and may request X-rays to assess bone structure. If nerve involvement or soft tissue issues are suspected, MRI is commonly used for a more detailed view. The specific tests ordered depend entirely on the individual clinical assessment by the doctor.

Does back pain assessment differ for older adults?

In older adults, certain causes such as vertebral compression fractures related to osteoporosis or spinal stenosis are more frequently considered, so the clinical evaluation may focus on different factors compared to younger patients. The department visited is generally the same, but the physician's approach and differential considerations may differ. Consulting a doctor who is aware of age-related factors is generally advisable.

Related questions

Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.