When back or neck pain becomes more than just a nuisance—especially when it’s accompanied by numbness, weakness, or radiating limb pain—it may be time to consider consulting a spinal surgeon. A spinal surgeon is a medical specialist (often an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon) who devotes a significant portion of their practice to diagnosing and treating disorders of the spine.
Spinal surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of spinal conditions—ranging from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis to more complex issues like spinal fractures, tumors, and spinal instability. Their role often begins with a thorough diagnostic process: imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), neurological assessments, and sometimes electrophysiological studies to pinpoint the root cause of pain or dysfunction.
While many spine issues can be managed conservatively (via physical therapy, medications, injections, activity modification), a spinal surgeon steps in when nonsurgical therapies fail, or when neurological compromise or structural instability is present. In these cases, surgical intervention may be indicated to decompress nerve roots or the spinal cord, stabilize segments, or correct deformities.
Common Spinal Surgical Procedures
Here are some of the procedures spinal surgeons commonly perform:
Microdiscectomy / Discectomy – Removing herniated disc material to relieve nerve compression.
Spinal Fusion – Fusing two (or more) vertebrae to eliminate motion at a painful or unstable segment.
Laminectomy / Decompression – Removing bone or tissue compressing the spinal canal or nerve roots.
Disc Replacement (Total Disc Arthroplasty) – Replacing a degenerated disc with an artificial one, allowing some degree of preserved motion.
Correction of Deformities – Addressing scoliosis, kyphosis, or other abnormal spinal curves through osteotomies and instrumentation.
Surgeries are carefully planned to balance the goals of pain relief, restoring function, preserving motion (if possible), and minimizing complications.
Advances, Challenges & Outcomes
The field of spinal surgery is evolving rapidly, incorporating new technologies such as navigation, robotics, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and minimally invasive techniques. These innovations aim to improve precision, reduce tissue disruption, and accelerate recovery.
Still, challenges remain: selecting the right patients for surgery, managing comorbidities, preventing complications, and ensuring long-term durability of interventions are ongoing concerns in modern spine care.
Patient expectations play a key role in outcomes. A recent large study found that, although functional outcomes (pain relief, disability improvement) at 12 months did not significantly differ by surgeon age, patient satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations were somewhat higher when surgeons were younger. This illustrates that, beyond technical skill, communication, empathy, and setting realistic goals matter just as much in spine care.
How to Choose a Spinal Surgeon
Selecting the right spinal surgeon is a critical decision. Consider the following:
Credentials & Experience: Choose a surgeon certified in spine care (through neurosurgery or orthopedic boards) with substantial spine surgery volume.
Subspecialty Focus: Surgeons who devote a large part of their practice to spinal disorders tend to be more up to date on emerging techniques.
Communication & Education: A good surgeon will explain your condition, surgical options, risks, and expected recovery in clear, patient-friendly terms.
Support Team & Facility: A robust multidisciplinary team (pain specialists, physical therapists, radiologists) and a facility experienced in spine surgery matter for your safety and outcome.
Track Record & Patient Reviews: Ask for outcomes, complication rates, and referrals or testimonials from other patients.
If you or someone you know is struggling with persistent back or neck issues that have not responded to conventional care, consulting a spinal surgeon could be the turning point. At the New Albany location of Orthoneuro, their team specializes in comprehensive spinal evaluation and surgical treatment where indicated. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit orthoneuro.com