Back and Spine Health
When a patient is considering spine surgery, one important question is whether they should go to a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon near Las Vegas, NV. The quick answer to the question is that most types of spine surgeries are performed by these two professionals.
The most important thing is to know whom to consult for your specific spine surgery. If you are confused as to which type of spine surgeon to choose for your spine surgery, keep reading this article to know the similarities and differences between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons.
Neurosurgeons And Orthopedic Surgeons Both Specialize In Spine Surgery
In fact, neurosurgeons were highly specialized in spine surgery in the past. For example, if you were to find a spine surgeon three decades ago, you would most probably be referred to a neurosurgeon. But spine surgery has evolved in the last two decades so that both neurosurgeons & orthopedic surgeons specialize in different types of spine surgery. For the most common spine surgeries out there, both these professionals are equally qualified. Here are the differences between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons:
1. Neurosurgeons
A neurosurgeon has to complete a 5-6 year residency course focused on the surgical treatment of neurological conditions. They are specially trained to diagnose and treat the following health conditions:
. Spine and spinal cord disorders
. Brain and nerve disorders
. Intracranial and intraspinal vasculature
While some neurosurgeons specialize exclusively in brain surgery, some others specialize in spine surgery. On the other hand, some neurosurgeons split their practice between these two areas. Despite the “surgeon” part of the word, a neurosurgeon would provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments. The professional will assess and treat conditions that affect your brain, spine, and spinal cord – including all of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord.
While a neurosurgeon would perform complex surgery on your spine and brain, they may suggest conservative care or a non-surgical approach first. For example, if a patient has chronic back pain, the surgeon would first prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. If the pain doesn’t recede from such treatments, the professional will recommend surgery depending on your health condition and age. An experienced neurosurgeon is skilled in the following surgical and procedure techniques:
. Minimally invasive surgery and open surgery
. Microsurgery
. Endoscopic surgery
. Endovascular surgery
. Radiosurgery
. Chronic pain interventional procedures
The professional will treat brain tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, hydrocephalus, essential tumor, congenital brain condition, congenital spinal column conditions, pinched nerves, sciatica, and more.
2. Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons should complete a 5-6 year surgical residency program focused on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all bone and joint disorders including:
. Arthritis
. Spinal disorders
. Trauma
. Sports injuries
. Bone tumors
. Total joint replacements
. Hand injuries and deformities
While some orthopedic surgeons focus their practice exclusively on spine surgery, some others focus their practice on different types of joints such as shoulders, hips, and knees. Musculoskeletal pain is the #1 reason why people visit an orthopedic surgeon. These professionals are qualified to treat conditions such as:
. Back pain, spinal stenosis, and ruptured disks
. Sports injuries
. Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, foot, and ankle injuries
. Carpal tunnel and hand arthritis
. Bone tumors
. Club foot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia
. Osteoporosis
. Arthritis
. Limb lengthening
. Orthopedic trauma
If you are considering spine surgery, you may be confused as to which spine surgeon to choose. There are two types of spine surgeons out there. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons are these two types of professionals. The aforementioned article provides information on the similarities and differences between neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons in Las Vegas, NV.
