Back and Spine Health
There are two types of physicians that can help you with spinal problems that you may have developed. One is a spine surgeon and the other is a neurosurgeon. Each of these professionals will have a very specific area of specialty, one of which will be needed to fix your problem.
Although they do have similar training, each one will certainly have different levels of expertise. Let’s discuss the difference between each one, plus present reasons that you may need to use either one of these professionals.
What Does A Spine Surgeon Do?
These are professionals that have gone through many years of training to treat conditions that can adversely affect the human spine. They are similar to both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Due to their area of expertise, they may be required for certain spinal procedures. You may actually these different doctors working together on particularly complex operations. Essentially, if you have any problem with your spine at all, a spine specialist in Las Vegas, NV or anywhere is likely who will be doing the procedure needed.
What Does A Neurosurgeon Do?
These are medical professionals that are able to treat and diagnose the many different conditions that can affect your nerves, brain, nervous system, and also your spinal cord. They are trained to provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments. If a person is suffering from seizures, persistent headaches, or persistent numbness, this is a professional that will be able to assist them. Their knowledge of the human spine may make them quite valuable to a spinal surgeon that would need assistance with certain medical procedures.
What Is The Difference Between A Spine Surgeon And A Neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons are individuals that are trained to handle problems with the human spine and brain. If this professional is a spinal neurosurgeon, they tend to be knowledgeable about the human nervous system as it relates to the nerves in your body, spinal cord, and the brain. If there is something not working properly within your central nervous system, it will not require them to look directly at the brain. However, if it is a neurological problem that has a physical aspect to it, these are the ones that you will want to work on your brain.
On the other hand, if the problem is more related to your spine, a spinal surgeon will be brought in. They will understand where problems may exist in the vertebrae and nerves connected to the spine. Therefore, each of them may have knowledge of the human brain and spine, but they may need each other during a procedure for very specific problems.
Why Would You Need Either Of These Doctors?
If you do suffer from neck pain or back pain that is chronic, or if it is acute pain that is constant, you will need a spinal surgeon to help you in certain situations. For example, if you were recently injured in an accident, there are certain parts of your neck and back that could be affecting your nervous system. A spinal surgeon will be able to address degenerative medical conditions as well.
These can affect your nerves, muscles, and even the growth of your bones. If you need a neurosurgeon, this almost always pertains to pinched nerves, sciatica, epilepsy, or they may need to do procedures as a result of someone having a stroke.
Although these medical professionals do have similar training, each one will be used in different ways. They can also team up together to assist each other with certain delicate procedures involving the brainstem and how it connects to the spine. Overall, these are professionals that have gone through a substantial amount of training, all of which can help with these types of problems. If your physician has recommended that you see either a neurosurgeon or a spinal surgeon in Las Vegas, NV, both of them will be able to help you resolve your problem. For a local consult, contact The Robotic Spine Institute of Las Vegas or stop by our clinic.