Back Pain Support Group

I don't know a lot of orthopedic docs that do spine surgeries of any kind. They normally fix broken hips, broken arms and legs. The reason that neurosurgeon do most back surgeries is because they are dealing not only with your spine but they are also dealing with your nerves in the spine. But it could be that some ortho guys do some back surgeries, I just don't know many that do if any. Hope this helps..Blessings..missourigal

I agree with "missourigal" I do believe that it would be the Ortho doc that is the #1 surgeon but the Neuro surgeon would be there to assist and make sure that he is there to assist with the spinal cord. Best of luck to you and your mom! I have Spina Bifida so I have only ever dealt with Neurosurgeons with regards to my back.

I prefer a nuero vs. ortho but im sure thay can both do a good job. I would find one who is using the latest technology.

Both my cervical and thoracic spine surgeries were done by an ortho who is a spine specialist. He used cadaver bone to replace the disc in my neck, and bone from my ribs to replace the discs he removed from my back. He also bolted in some hardware to hold it all together. During the back surgery my ortho was assisted by a cardiologist to keep my heart in check while all that crazy powertool stuff was going on right next to it.

Hope that helps. Good luck and be good to yourself.

I am confused, sorry! I have a broken, less than half of a T-7, a hurniated disk around there and a pinched nerve OH and I recently, don't know how but frac. my T-6. Now I have arthritis and all this diginit. disk disease. My nuerologist said the surgery to correct all this is too complicated. Any one can help I would appreciate it.

i also have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease my left leg is still numb and tingling and my back hurts everyday i wake up. I get so tired of all of it and the depression sets in because the pain is so bad. I think im going to try an orthopedic surgeon. I want a third opinion they say i will be in a wheelchair by the time im 50. And that my back is like a 60yr olds back and im only 36 so im not taking thier answers im going to get a third opinion when we get a chance. No insurance its hard to get in to any doctor.

Neurosuregeon: Sylvan Palmer, MD
www.esurgeon.com/palmer

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The Back Bubble

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I've had 4 spinal operations and used an orthopod all times. I did see a neurosurgeon prior to my last operation in 1998 but decided on a ortho who specialized in spines. Thanks to him I was able to work for four years [then I reinjured my spine and am now on permanent disability] A lot is going to depend on where you live. If I have a choice I'd take the ortho who has the specialty in spinal surgery. There are not many of them. Good luck. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Tinker, You said the took out two of your verts and did not put anything at all in thier place? How is that possible? Seems that they would need to take up the space somehow. Anyway I agree with most here that either a Neuro or an Ortho with spine specialty is ok. As far as you not having any insurance. Are you disabled? If so and are on SSD you are automatically illigibly for Medicare after two years. Maybe you need to check this out? Good luck.

I personally feel more comfortable with a Neuro since my pain is caused by nerves. If it was simply a bone issue (arm, leg, etc) I would be fine with an Ortho. The neuro is specially trained to deal with the nervous system. I specifically chose a Neuro to do my surgery based on that. I wouldn't take any risks. however, there can be bad ortho's and bad neuro's, so research them. You can check out patient ratings here - www.ratemds.com