Is it better to see a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?

While an orthopedic surgeon is a better choice if you need a new hip, knee, shoulder, or have a severely broken bone, anything related to the spine is best treated by a skilled neurosurgeon. If you have a back issue or severe back pain, seek out a neurosurgeon for their evaluation and diagnosis for proper treatment.

When should I see a neurosurgeon?

Typically, patients seek care from a neurosurgeon if they're experiencing severe illness or pain. Some of the most common signs you should seek care from a neurosurgeon include: Chronic back or neck pain. Dizziness or issues with balance.

Do neurosurgeons always recommend surgery?

Seeing a neurosurgeon does not always mean a patient needs surgery. In fact, our physicians at Front Range Spine And Neurosurgery use conservative, or non-invasive, treatments first, before even considering minimally-invasive (small incision) or open surgery.

Should I see a neurosurgeon for back pain?

Oftentimes, back pain is caused by problems with the spine and nerves, and a neurosurgeon's training makes them the best specialist for the job.

What types of problems do neurosurgeons treat?

Neurosurgeons are trained to treat people with trauma to the brain and spine, aneurysms, blocked arteries, chronic low-back pain, birth defects, tumors in the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral nerve issues.

What is the difference between Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Spine Surgeons?

Can a neurosurgeon help with nerve pain?

Neurosurgeons treat chronic pain with state-of-the-art medical technology. The most commonly treated conditions that cause pain are atypical facial pain, failed spinal surgery, phantom limb pain, stroke and headache. One form of facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, can be very debilitating and painful.

Do neurosurgeons diagnose?

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors that diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain, spine, and other parts of your nervous system. They differ from neurologists in that they're specifically trained and certified in the use of surgical treatments, whereas neurologists focus on other forms of treatment.

What can a neurosurgeon do for nerve damage?

A neurosurgeon can explain surgical options, such as nerve grafts, nerve transfers or muscle transfers, to help restore function.

What are the most common reasons for neurosurgery?

Why you should avoid back surgery?

If things go south, some of the potential complications of back surgery can include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, deadly blood clots that can circulate to the heart or lungs, heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage.

Why are there so few neurosurgeons?

All of these things a great, but the truth is the reason why there are so few neurosurgeons is the fact that they have a tight grip on keeping the number of residency spots low. Supply and Demand, as was mentioned above.

Why would I be referred to a neurologist after MRI?

You'll typically be referred to a neurologist by a primary care provider who's already considered your symptoms and medical history, done a thorough exam, looked for underlying conditions, ordered laboratory tests or imaging and still feels treatment or diagnosis needs further investigation.

Can a neurosurgeon fix a herniated disc?

Neurosurgeons also treat spinal problems such as neck pain, back pain, leg pain (including sciatica), or shoulder pain caused by disc problems (such as degenerative disc disease or herniated disc), trauma or spinal/neck arthritis.

Why do people need neurosurgeons?

For most people, neurosurgery is only required by people who suffer from brain tumors. However, you should understand that neurosurgeons deal with the various kinds of ailments arising out of damages to the spine, brain, central and peripheral nervous system.

On what part of the body would neurosurgery be focused?

The primary focus of neurosurgeons is the nervous system, which includes the brain and spine, and extends to all areas of the body.

What does a neurologist do on your first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

What is the most common neurosurgical procedure?

The five most commonly reported neurosurgical procedures in the NSQIP database from 2006 to 2014 were anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), craniotomy for brain tumor (CBT), discectomy, laminectomy, and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF).

Does a neurosurgeon only do brain surgery?

Most people think of neurosurgeons as doctors performing complex surgery. While it's true that neurosurgeons can perform complicated surgical procedures in the spine and brain, its often non-surgical or conservative care that is prescribed.

What conditions require brain surgery?

Can an orthopedic treat nerve damage?

Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in the spine and joints, which affect the whole body, so they are highly skilled in addressing pinched nerves and their effects on various parts of the body.

What doctor should I see for nerve pain?

Experts generally recommend starting with your primary care doctor if you think you're experiencing nerve pain. Still, many patients may also need to see a neurologist – a doctor specializing in the nervous system – to determine the cause of nerve pain.

Do damaged nerves ever heal?

If a nerve is injured but not cut, the injury is more likely to heal. Injuries in which the nerve has been completely severed are very difficult to treat, and recovery may not be possible. Your doctor will determine your treatment based on the extent and cause of your injury and how well the nerve is healing.

How do neurologists treat nerve pain?

Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).

Which is better neurologist or neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is able to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so. In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options.

Why neurosurgery is the best specialty?