Back Pain Support Group

To Tinker ~ When they take out the herniated disk, they don't take out ALL of the disk ~ only the part that herniated. The rest of the disk stays in, so you don't have bone on bone. I've had 2 such operations, where they didn't take out all of the disks. Unfortunately, they have to remove some bone to get AT the disks, and that tends to make things unstable ~ at least it did with me in my 2 cases.

Leighann ~ you said that they told you yours was too complicated to fix ~ that may well be true because it's in the thoracic area (T-6). Many/most doctors are reluctant to operate in that area because it IS so difficult an operation with high risk.

I'd prefer a Neurosurgeon, since they're working with/so close to the spinal cord. I want someone who's been trained specifically in that area. Unfortunately for me, my choice of neuro's wasn't a great one and I'm disabled! lol. Blessings to all. Hugs. Lee

My orthopedic doctor has done all my fusions and will do my disc replacment on aug. 19th. I've had a genreal surgeon and thoraxic surgeon assist, but the ortho does the work.

There are many, many Orthopedic Surgeons that specialize in spinal surgeries and they are quite good! My first surgery was with an Neurosurgeon and I had a terrible outcome. The next 5 to fix what the NS did had been with an excellent Ortho Surgeon and I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel after 2 years.

Weather is a NS or and OS make sure to get at least 2 opinions before jumping into surgery and make sure to check the Doctor's credentials, specially make sure that they are Board Certified. Good luck to you!

Out of all the comments here missourigal is right on the money.
One other thing I do want to add is that you don't have to wait 2 years to get medical once your on disability, you get that when ever your approved, and are getting your checks.

What will happenis that most primary doc's will refere you to a Ortho, he checks you out,and like me said there was nothing wrong, only to walk into a neuro's office, and he just looked at me, and told me I had
Reflex Sympathic Symdrome. The ortho even took x-rays, and looked at my shoulder, and said I just had bursititis. This was a top sports guy in my area very well know, and well seen.

ortho=bones
neuro=nevers/bones

Debbie

Neurosurgeons do specialize in different body parts. Some of the neuros at the place I went to did only head stuff, my surgeon only did spines. So, I had a neurosurgeon do my spinal fusion.

When I was getting ready for my cervical spine surgery I got 3 opinions. One place I went to was the #1 orthopedic hospital in the country(by US News and World Report)....that is the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Their entire spine staff is orthos.

I also consulted 2 neurosurgeon in Boston, closer to me. Then I had a friend who was a lawyer ask a malpractice attorney for his opinion an the 3 of them. He checked all 3 out and advised one of the neruos in Boston. I figured if they are less sued, they must be good and their patients must have good outcomes or the lawyers would know it.

So I think both can be good but I went with the one who patients thought he did the best work and voted with their wallet

Whatever anyone chooses, make sure they do it exclusively. Some neuros do brain work as well. Some spine orthos work on other areas. You want a doc who works on spine 24/7/365.

My surgeon operates 4 days a week....all spines. He is cutting edge and I had the privilege of getting some new stuff put in me that is still under clinical trials. I have minimal pain and maximum movement for a 6 vertebrae fusion.

So that is just one more way to check out whoever you choose and a useful tool to help you choose which doc to use.

gentle hugs............Jenny