I have a herniated disc—which hospital should I go to?

Isn't the usual rule to go to orthopedics first? You get an MRI there and then they decide.

I went to a pain clinic and got injection treatment, and it helped a bit. It varies from person to person, though.

I'm someone who struggled with a disc problem for three years. Bottom line: it doesn't matter whether you go to orthopedics or pain medicine—what matters most is finding a good doctor. I was told by orthopedics at a big hospital to get surgery, got scared, and went to a smaller pain clinic, where I managed with injections and physical therapy. But if you have leg numbness or muscle weakness, then whether it's orthopedics or neurosurgery, go quickly and get an MRI first. If you drag that out, it's genuinely dangerous.

Well, deciding on the hospital first feels a bit backwards. Shouldn’t you start by describing the symptoms before an answer can really be given? Depending on whether it’s back pain or leg numbness, the department could be completely different, so saying “go to orthopedics” based on just this information seems like a bit of a hasty recommendation.

If the numbness extends down to your leg, consider seeing a neurosurgeon too. I went around to two orthopedic clinics without getting anywhere, then went to a neurosurgeon and finally got a proper diagnosis. Of course, everyone’s case is different, so take this only as a reference, and I don’t recommend trusting just one place and going around to multiple hospitals. It’s a hassle because you have to carry all your records with you.

Agreed

Got a source? There's talk online that pain medicine is better, but as far as I know, orthopedics is actually the correct first-line care.