If you are in need of spinal surgery, you will need to consult a spine surgeon. These professionals are trained to perform different types of procedures. The procedure that you need may be different from the one that your current spine surgeon offers. Before you decide to go to a particular surgeon, consider the following factors: Symptoms, Procedures, and Locations.
Symptoms
There are many risks and symptoms to look out for after spinal surgery. These include a lowered immunity, a weakened immune system, and pain or swelling after the operation. If you have been suffering from any of these symptoms for a long time, you may want to seek medical attention right away.
Surgery may be required when you suffer from chronic back pain that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Surgical procedures are usually performed as a last resort, if there is no other option available. However, in many cases, patients are advised to wait until the pain subsides. This is particularly true if surgery is necessary to correct radiculopathy.
Training
Training for spine surgeons involves completing a residency and a fellowship. The latter consists of advanced hands-on training in the field of spine surgery. It builds on the surgeon’s basic training and enables them to provide expert-level care to patients. During this residency, spine surgeons learn the latest techniques for treating a wide range of conditions.
Surgical techniques used in spine surgery are divided into two broad categories: traditional open and minimally invasive. The former aims to prepare surgeons for full-endoscopic spine surgery in a hospital setting. The latter aims to improve their skills and expand their knowledge of specialized instruments and full-endoscopic techniques. Both types of training are complemented by extensive hands-on practice on cadavers.
Procedures
If you are suffering from pain in your back, a spine surgeon can perform a variety of procedures to help alleviate the problem. One of the most common procedures is spinal fusion, which relieves pressure on the spinal nerves. This surgery is performed by removing a section of bone from the rear of the vertebrae. This Dr Richard Parkinson procedure is often used to treat spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal has narrowed and painful pressure is exerted on the spinal nerve.
Another procedure that a spine surgeon may perform is lumbar discectomy. This procedure involves removing part of a herniated disc and/or a bone spur from the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This procedure may also involve fusing the vertebrae bones together.
Locations
If you have a back condition or other condition affecting your spine, you may want to find a location for spine surgeons in your area. There are many options available, from hospitals in New York City to suburban clinics in New Jersey. Spine surgery has improved significantly over the last 30 years, and can be completed in one hour or less.
The Division of Spine Surgery provides comprehensive care for patients with all types of spinal problems. The doctors in the Division focus on identifying and treating the appropriate surgical technique for the condition. They have extensive training in a variety of pediatric and adult deformity conditions and have presented over 250 abstracts at national meetings.
Cost
The cost of spine surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and the hospital’s level of care. In general, spine surgery patients are usually admitted to an orthopedic specialties unit, which offers a higher level of nursing care and lower costs than other hospital units. However, the cost structure of each hospital varies widely.
The best way to determine the cost of back surgery is to contact your insurance company to determine what your plan covers. Your insurer may cover the entire bill, or only a portion. You should discuss your insurance coverage with your surgeon, who should be able to steer you toward procedures within your budget.
