Neurosurgeons do perform back surgery. Neurosurgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the entire nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Their expertise extends to surgical interventions for various spinal conditions.
The Broad Scope of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery encompasses the central and peripheral nervous systems, not just the brain. Neurosurgeons undergo extensive training, typically 7-8 years, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. This training provides a deep understanding of neurological function and how spinal conditions affect nerve health.
Their specialized knowledge allows them to address various spinal disorders, from trauma and tumors to degenerative diseases. This expertise prepares them to perform surgical interventions that aim to preserve or restore neurological function. They often manage conditions of the spinal vertebrae, spinal discs, and surrounding membranes.
Common Spinal Procedures Performed by Neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons perform various back and spine surgeries to address conditions impacting the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Discectomy
This procedure involves removing a herniated or bulging disc that presses on a spinal nerve, often causing pain. It can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as microdiscectomy.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy removes a portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This is often done for spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, and can alleviate pain, numbness, or weakness.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion connects two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and eliminate motion. This procedure is used for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformities such as scoliosis.
Other Procedures
Neurosurgeons also remove tumors from the spine or spinal cord. They perform nerve decompression surgeries to relieve pressure on pinched nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons are highly qualified to perform many common back procedures, leading to a significant overlap in their practices. The main difference lies in their primary training focus. Neurosurgeons specialize in the entire nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Orthopedic surgeons, conversely, specialize in the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Despite these differing foundational specializations, both types of surgeons often complete fellowship training specifically in spine surgery, which further refines their expertise. This additional training often leads to similar surgical skills, including nerve decompression, fusions, and minimally invasive surgery. Studies show no significant differences in short-term outcomes between the two specialties for many spine surgeries.
Factors influencing a patient’s choice might include the specific nature of their condition. A problem primarily involving nerve compression might lead one to a neurosurgeon, while issues focused on bone structure or stability could suggest an orthopedic surgeon. Ultimately, the individual surgeon’s subspecialty and experience, rather than their initial training pathway, are often considered more important.