When Should You See a Neurosurgeon for Back Pain?  

Back pain can disrupt your life, especially when medications and physical therapy provide little relief. A neurosurgeon can alleviate back pain using noninvasive and surgical means alike.

Neurosurgeons Work on More Than the Brain

While brain surgery is a part of what a neurosurgeon does, there’s more to the role. In fact, most neurosurgeons spend most of their time working on patients’ spines or other body parts.

A neurosurgeon is concerned with the nervous system, particularly the central nervous system, consisting of the spinal cord and brain. The nervous system branches out to every corner of the body and relays information to the brain through the spine.

If you’re experiencing pain anywhere in your body, it’s likely traveling through the nervous system. Neurosurgeons treat various painful conditions, often through nonsurgical or minimally invasive means.

When to See a Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Many patients see neurosurgeons to uncover the source of their chronic pain, migraines, numbness, impaired movement or seizures.

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons to see a neurosurgeon. Consider seeing a neurosurgeon for ailments like: 

• Herniated disks: Damage to the protective disks between vertebrae can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
• Spinal stenosis: Pain and numbness in the legs may result from the spinal canal narrowing and compressing the lower back nerves.
• Sciatica: Pinched nerves, herniated disks and spinal stenosis can cause sciatic nerve inflammation and subsequent pain in the lower back and legs. 
• Scoliosis: Spinal curvature can cause posture issues, breathing problems and chronic pain. 
• Vertebral fractures: There are various nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for fractured vertebrae.

What Does a Neurosurgeon Do for Back Pain?

Whether you live with a preexisting condition or recently suffered an injury, a neurosurgeon can assess your situation and determine the best treatment to alleviate or manage the pain. The recommendation may be a surgical procedure, but there are also various nonsurgical ways to treat pain. Many treatments seek to repair, replace, cushion or fuse vertebrae. Read our blog to learn more about common neurosurgery procedures for back pain. 

Are You Seeking Treatment for Back Pain?

The New York Spine Institute (NYSI) has a team of medical professionals ready to help you live a more comfortable life. If you’re dealing with back pain, request an appointment with NYSI today!