Many people hear the word neurosurgeon and think it refers to a doctor who works on your brain. While this can be true, a neurosurgeon does a lot more than just brain surgery. A lot of a neurosurgeon’s time is dedicated to studying the spine, treating neck and back pain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other pains such as leg pain.
Neurosurgery is an area of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injuries, diseases, or disorders of the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. Depending on the nature of the injury or disease, a neurosurgeon may provide surgical and/or nonsurgical care to treat their patients.
Ongoing Nervous System Care
Neurosurgeons are experts at diagnosing a patient’s condition and coming up with a treatment plan that is progressive in nature. For example, a patient may come in with back pain, which is then treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and other nonsurgical methods. However, if the condition has progressed beyond being helped by these types of treatments, surgery may become necessary.
The primary focus of neurosurgeons is the nervous system, which includes the brain and spine, and extends to all areas of the body. Often, when people feel pain, it is because it is traveling throughout the body via an elaborate system of nerves.
Neurosurgeons help treat chronic pain stemming from sciatica, lower back pain, or pinched nerves. Neurosurgeons also help patients suffering from other illnesses or conditions such as:
- Aneurysms and vascular malformations
- Brain and other central nervous system tumors
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- Concussions
- Degenerative disc disease
- Epilepsy
- Facial pain and paralysis
- Head injuries
- Herniated discs
- Intracranial surgery
- Movement disorders
- Neck and back pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pediatric neurosurgical disorders
- Peripheral nerve problems
- Pituitary disease
- Scoliosis
- Spinal disease and injury
- Strokes
- Surgical management of pain
- Traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation
Surgery performed by neurosurgeons today is far more precise than in the past.
There are new techniques that allow neurosurgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery, using special instruments to create the very tiny incisions in order to access the problem area with as little trauma to surrounding tissue as possible. Neurosurgeons also have access to new 3D imaging that helps them see inside the spine or brain, allowing them to be even more accurate and precise. And new advances in artificial disc implants allow neurosurgeons to help treat patients suffering from chronic degenerative disc conditions by reducing the risk of spinal fusion complications.
Neurosurgeons are able to give patients a full view of their nervous system and any conditions stemming from it, including chronic pain, trauma, or degenerative disorders. Visit your neurosurgeon to determine a treatment plan that works for you and can lead you to wellness.
The healthcare professionals at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery have served patients with advanced microsurgical treatments for a wide variety of neurological conditions for over 15 years. They believe an informed patient is the best patient and are available to help you achieve the best outcome possible. Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery is dedicated to making a difference in the world and your life. Call (303) 790-1800 to request an appointment today.
