There are times when a patient can have back or neck pain, and all it takes to relieve the pain is to rest, take pain relievers, and sometimes stretch out the sore area. However, there are times when extra relief is needed due to pinched nerves, difficulty with balance issues, and numbness and tingling of the feet or hands, for instance. There are cases of back pain being so bad that it severely diminishes a patient’s quality of life. Visiting a neuro spine surgeon to check on various neck and back issues can be very beneficial, because these types of medical professionals are able to apply their extensive knowledge and training in the neurology field to determine which type of treatment is needed, whether it is spine surgery, medication management, or physical therapy.
One major benefit of visiting a neuro spine surgeon is that this specialist is able to treat the whole spine. This is so important because the spine is connected to basically everything from top to bottom in the body. As a matter of fact, when there is a sharp pain in the back that radiates down to the legs it can be the result of a herniated disc. A herniated cervical disc also normally contributes to a condition called radiculopathy, which is a nerve pain that shoots down to the arm. Most patients describe the pain of this condition as feeling like burning sensations, electrical shooting pain, and deep muscle pain that worsen with sneezing, coughing, and neck movement. With these pressing issues of the back and neck, neurosurgeons with a reputation of excellence have become increasingly valuable to the community. You will find that the medical staff in our office is the best in the area.
Which treatments are available?
Options provided by a neurologist might include pain management, rehabilitation, physical therapy, chiropractor care, injections, and medication management. In most cases, your neuro spine surgeon will use a multifaceted approach in order to provide you with the best care. Your comprehensive treatment plan is tailored just for you and your needs after careful consultation and diagnosis, so you never have to wonder if your doctor has your best interests in mind.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments are not the best option, and surgery is the best choice for the patient. Your might suggest a surgical procedure right away based on your condition and symptoms, or might wait to try conservative options first before choosing the surgical route. You can always expect our medical staff to make sure that you understand all of the options available to you and also what you should expect from your symptoms, the procedure itself, and your recovery time.
The advancement of diagnostic testing has really helped neurosurgeons to be able to determine the best method of treatment for a patient. Spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement, lumbar fusion, microdiscectomy, and cervical disc replacement are examples of procedures that can help relieve back or neck pain in patients. Although these types of procedures were previously invasive, technology has allowed neurosurgeons to view the spine in multiple dimensions using smaller incisions and surgical tools, allowing for quicker recovery times. These types of state-of-the-art procedures are comprehensive. Provided you follow the post-surgical instructions that are provided by our office, you can experience a quick and smooth recovery.
What should I expect from a consultation?
Your consultation is a very important first visit. You should write down every symptom or change to your lifestyle that you can think of to mention to the doctor. You can also write down any questions that you want to remember to ask. Your consultation will likely involve a physical exam and a lot of discussion about your symptoms and your medical history. In many cases, we will perform diagnostic tests to help and get a better picture of what you are dealing with. After we have thoroughly reviewed your tests and your medical history, your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment option for you and your situation.
Although some back and neck problems are minor, and are only caused by overexertion or stress, others can be serious and require prompt medical care. For this reason, you should contact our office if you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, movement problems, or any other symptoms that could point to a problem with your spine. At our office, your neuro spine surgeon will work hard to make sure that you fully understand your treatment options.