During the initial appointment, a pain assessment will be performed including questions about your medical history, current prescriptions, pain patterns, and any other specific causes for concern. Depending on your symptoms and type of pain, you may expect orders for additional imaging studies or physical therapy.
When should you see a spine specialist?
Important factors that patients may want to consider prior to seeing a spine surgeon for their low back pain include: Level of low back pain and/or leg pain. If the pain is not alleviated by non-surgical treatments and has continued for a few weeks or months, it may be time to see a spine surgeon.
What is a back and spine specialist called?
A spine specialist is a health professional who focuses mainly on treating spine conditions. Common specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and many rheumatologists and neurologists.
What is the difference between an orthopedic doctor and a neurologist?
Orthopedic Doctor in Treatment Styles. While an orthopedic doctor may work with injuries like broken bones, a neurologist is more likely to treat spinal injuries that may require surgery. In fact, only neurologists have the skill and ability to perform surgery in specific areas of the spine like the dura.
What does an orthopedic spine specialist do?
As orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic spine doctors concentrate primarily on repairing problems of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal anatomy. These surgeons spend every day assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with spine-related injuries and conditions, including: Degenerative disc diseases. Herniated
Is a laminectomy a major surgery?
A cervical laminectomy can take1 to 3 hours to perform. It is a major spine surgery in a sensitive location on the backbone. It is usually performed only when symptoms are not relieved with non-invasive therapies such as: rest.
What are the restrictions after a laminectomy?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
How long is laminectomy decompression surgery?
A laminectomy is a procedure which involves removing bone of the vertebrae to allow for more space for the nerves. It relieves pressure on the nerves and decreases symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. Surgery will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will be in the hospital approximately 3 days.
What is decompression back surgery?
Lumbar decompressionLumbar decompressionIt will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation). When you wake up after lumbar decompression surgery, your back may feel sore and you'll probably be attached to 1 or more tubes.https://www.nhs.uk › lumbar-decompression-surgery › recoveryLumbar decompression surgery - Recovery - NHS surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. It's only recommended when non-surgical treatments haven't helped. The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.
Why would I be sent to a spine specialist?
A physician will refer their patient to a spine surgeon if and when: A patient has acute or chronic pain in the back or neck. An injury that affects the back, neck or parts of the nervous system. A person suffers from a degenerative medical condition that affects the bones, muscles or nerves along the length of the