Before you decide which surgery is better, you need to know the differences between the two surgeries. There are more similarities than differences between the two practitioners, which is why many people confuse the two professionals. Many people do not recognize that orthopedic surgeons do spine surgeries, and there are more similarities than differences.
Differences and Similarities
Orthopedic surgeons go to the same medical school that neurosurgeons go to. They then go to residency for five or six years and then do a fellowship, essentially training in complex spine surgeries. Neurosurgeons also go to medical school, and then this is followed by a neurosurgeon residency that lasts six or seven years.
Most of the time, neurosurgeons will not do a fellowship in spine surgery. Neurosurgeons also operate and focus on the brain and spine. Orthopedic surgeons do not focus their practice on the brain; instead, they operate on all the body’s joints, including hips, knees, hands, shoulders, wrists, feet, ankles, and the spine.
Generally, orthopedic surgeons that perform spine surgery will only focus on the neck and back. Neurosurgeons have an overlap where they perform both brain and spine surgery. Although many neurosurgeons focus primarily on just spine surgery, there are not many.
The differences between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are few. Generally, they both treat the same issues. Neurosurgeons are experts in spine fusions and decompressions, where they unpinch the nerves and spinal cords. The way they do them is the same, and the principles and objectives are similar.
In previous years, orthopedic spine surgeon has worked on more work regarding spine deformity than neurosurgeons. Very rare spine tumors are something that a neurosurgeon will likely treat. 70 to 80% of the surgeries a neurosurgeon performs will pertain to the spine.
Orthopedic surgeons also perform spine surgery, so there is an overlap between what the two surgeons perform. The fundamental difference comes down to their training. During the residency, a neurosurgeon is exposed to many spine procedures. Therefore, this makes them qualified to treat issues of the spine.
It is very important to know that about 80 or 90% of surgeries that a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon perform are the same. There are certain procedures that either professional will be more adept at performing. For instance, when orthopedic surgeons complete a spine surgery fellowship
Why Choose Orthopedic Spine Surgery?
The difference between neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery is training and fellowship. Both professions can perform spine surgery. Neurosurgeons have more expertise in the brain, while orthopedic surgeons focus more on muscular and skeletal issues. An orthopedic surgeon’s reconstructive and minimally invasive treatments are more favorable for pain symptoms.
Another reason you should get treatment for orthopedic surgeons is that they are experts in finding ways to deal with chronic pain. They can provide you with multiple different options to tackle pains and aches.
Many people that have suffered from chronic pain have found incredible relief from going to an orthopedic spine surgeon. Many orthopedic spine surgeons have also possessed the expertise and skills to make sure the lives of individuals are better.
One example of how orthopedic surgeons can treat chronic pain is spinal cord stimulation. This type of stimulation uses electricity as pain control by stimulating the dorsal columns in the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation uses electricity by inserting leads or contacts into the spine or the posterior epidural space. These leads or contacts enter into the thoracic region for low back pain or the cervical region for neck pain and arm pain. You have to connect it to the impulse generator, and the impulse that generates creates a multitude of effects that give patients relief.
One of the advantages of the Medtronic spinal cord system is that, under the appropriate conditions, the system will be safe with an MRI scanner. The trial and the full spinal cord stimulator implant will be a full-day surgery; patients can be discharged on the same day as the procedure. Receiving this treatment has been life-changing for many patients.
High-Quality Treatments
The treatments that orthopedic surgeons provide are one of the best you can find. After you get treatment, you can no longer need medication or any other treatment for your chronic pain. Patients suffering for years and trying different treatments find relief after orthopedic surgery.
Patients suffering from chronic pain must take responsibility and get early treatment before the pain worsens. It can be entirely difficult to live with chronic pain, and having relief can be an amazing endeavor. It is similar to handing someone their life back, especially for patients that struggle with chronic pain.
Final Words
Orthopedic surgeons have been wondrous in rehabilitating people with life-threatening injuries. They have also provided mobility to people on the verge of impairment. Orthopedic surgeons are also experts in providing minimally invasive treatments to patients that help recover range of motion, alleviate pain, and reconstruct skeletal structures. Their wide scopes of expertise and knowledge are miraculous and have helped people regain their lives.
If you live in Los Angeles or within the surrounding vicinity and need treatments that help with chronic pain or skeletal and muscular rehabilitation, contact DrRogers for expert treatment. We can provide you with incredible consultancy, diagnosis, and treatment. Our highly experienced team of experts does not compromise on quality treatment.
Contact us today, and you will be able to get accustomed to our team members and request an appointment to visit one of our professionals. Not to mention, there is always the option of visiting our clinic.