An orthopedic spine surgeon New York understands that the spine is a critical part of the body because it shields the spinal cord – the vital collection of nerves that will transmit messages from the brain to the entire body. Additionally, it is critical for supporting your posture, particularly your head and neck.
If you are suffering from chronic severe back or spine pain, you have almost certainly seen a doctor to attempt to alleviate pain, increase mobility, or both. But when should you consult a spine surgeon?
Orthopedic spine surgery is generally reserved for patients whose pain or mobility significantly impairs their daily lives even though they had already exhausted numerous non-surgical options. However, this does not mean you must wait until you have exhausted all other possibilities before consulting a spine surgeon.\
There is a team of neck and spine surgeons and psychiatrists who are experts at evaluating, diagnosing, and treating neck and spine disorders – but not limited to – surgery. Their expertise includes non-surgical spine care, including interventional spine treatment, physical therapy, and injections.
Seeing an orthopedic spine surgeon in New York who takes this method will provide you with the most outstanding treatment options. They will employ critical diagnostic techniques to make the most informed recommendations possible. They will work closely with each patient to gain a thorough understanding of their symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health, and also short and long-term goals.
The critical nature of a thorough diagnosis before recommending spine surgery.
An orthopedic spine surgeon New York will use thorough physical examination, various imaging techniques, and other diagnostic methods to determine the source of pain and rule out any apparent anatomical abnormality that might be pinching a nerve or creating instability. Several common conditions may necessitate a surgical recommendation, including the following:
Spinal Stenosis: a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed because of narrowing the spinal column.
Discs degeneration, herniation, or rupture of the discs that act as cushions between the spine's bones.
Fractures: these can range from microfractures due to osteoporosis to more severe fractures caused by trauma like a car accident.
Spondylolisthesis: a condition in which one or more bones slip forward onto the bone below.
However, there are times when there is no perceptible anatomical abnormality. In these cases, an orthopedic spine surgeon will generally decline to recommend surgery, as no obvious problem could be corrected surgically. Of course, there are always exceptions; that is one of the many reasons it is critical to consult an orthopedic spine surgeon New York with a broad range of expertise.
The most comprehensive spine surgeons consider the entire patient and prioritize non-surgical options before recommending surgery, avoiding the use of spine surgery as a ‘fishing expedition' for the source of pain.
A detailed examination will determine the most appropriate course of treatment for you.
Non-surgical options include the following:
- Modifications to activity levels through the use of periodic stretches, massages, and rest periods
- Treatments with heat and ice
- Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections or oral medications can help alleviate the underlying inflammation that is causing the discomfort.
- Physical therapy to aid in the reduction of back strain caused by your body's structural support system
Additionally, consider minimally invasive surgical procedures. Minimally invasive procedures are frequently used to treat herniated discs, spinal infections, fractured vertebrae, deformities, or spine instability.
Due to the smaller incisions used in these procedures, their minimal impact on adjacent muscles and soft tissue results in less pain and a faster post-operative recovery.
Among the minimally invasive procedures are the following:
- Lumbar decompression: The removal of bone fragments or a herniated disk to alleviate stress on spinal nerves
- Spinal fusion: The process of fusing damaged vertebrae together to form a single stable bone.
- Discectomy: Excision of a disk in the back or neck
- Laminectomy: The posterior portion of a vertebra is removed to make room for the spinal nerve.
Characteristics That You Should Look for Of an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon New York
Despite their title as “surgeons,” orthopedic spine surgeons New York are experts in spinal disorders' surgical and non-surgical care. Below is the list of the characteristics that an orthopedic spine surgeon New York should possess:
1. Extensive training
Orthopedic spine surgeons receive extensive formal education and training over several years. Inquire whether your surgeon has completed a spinal surgery fellowship, which offers ample, extensive training in all spinal ailments and disorders. Choose a board-certified surgeon, which indicates that he or she possesses the highest level of knowledge and experience in this field.
2. Proficient in treating your spinal condition
Even though orthopedic spine surgery is a subspecialty of medicine, it covers a broad range of conditions. Whether you have a sports injury or a spinal tumor, you need a surgeon who has extensive experience treating your specific condition. If you require a particular procedure, inquire about the surgeon's experience performing that procedure and the outcomes.
3. A track record of exceptional patient satisfaction
Referrals from former patients can be beneficial. Inquire of family, friends, and workmates whether they have encountered the surgeon or are aware of someone who has. Patient satisfaction is a defining characteristic of a great orthopedic spine surgeon. It encompasses more than just successful surgical results is classified by an overall favorable experience throughout the procedure.
4. Competent in the application of minimally invasive techniques and emerging technologies
Spinal surgery has advanced significantly in recent years. You will expect a surgeon knowledgeable about the newest evidence-based technologies and practices to guarantee that you get the best care possible. New imaging systems make it possible to identify the source of pain more quickly and precisely and might be utilized to cure the pain itself. Locating a surgeon skilled in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) can result in shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.
5. Is within your financial constraints
Healthcare is definitely not free and could cost you a lot; however, this does not mean that quality must be sacrificed. Once you have identified an orthopedic spine surgeon who meets all of your medical criteria, do not be afraid to discuss payment options. A reputable physician's office will be upfront about costs and would work with you to know your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.
