Spine Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon: What’s the Difference?

A neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal care is, at its core, a spine surgeon.

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors with extensive expertise in both the structural and neurological aspects of the spine. They are frequently the specialists behind many of the spine surgeries performed today. They treat everything from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to spinal cord injuries and nerve compression.

A board-certified neurosurgeon with a spine focus is highly skilled in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Their training in caring for the spine reflects that.

Neurosurgical residency includes 6 to 7 years of in-depth training with a strong emphasis on spine procedures. A spine-specific fellowship often follows this residency.

A neurosurgeon has an advanced understanding of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and nearby tissues. This expertise helps them handle complex issues involving nerve function, spinal alignment, and stability. For many patients, a neurosurgeon is not only a spine surgeon, but the right spine surgeon for their needs.

The difference between a spine surgeon vs. neurosurgeon comes down to the main focus of a board-certified neurosurgeon.

When Should You See a Spine Surgeon?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating nerve pain, a neurosurgeon is highly qualified to diagnose and treat your condition.

What Conditions Do Spine Surgeons Treat?

A spine surgeon who is fellowship-trained and board-certified in neurosurgery brings a unique level of expertise in treating conditions involving the:

Spinal cord
Nerves
Brain and spine connection

Neurosurgical spine surgeons are leaders in both traditional and minimally invasive spinal procedures. A few examples of the conditions a spine surgeon may treat are:

Herniated discs

When a spinal disc herniates and pushes out of place, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Neurosurgeons can relieve this pressure using techniques like discectomy or minimally invasive decompression.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal. This can compress the spinal nerves, often leading to back pain, leg pain, or difficulty walking. A neurosurgical spine specialist can create more space around the nerves to relieve these symptoms.

Degenerative disc disease

Discs can naturally wear down over time, causing degenerative disc disease. Eventually, this can lead to chronic pain in the neck or back. Neurosurgeons help determine whether pain can be managed conservatively. They can also explore surgical stabilization if needed.

Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy

Pain that radiates down the leg from nerve compression in the lower back is known as sciatica. It’s a frequent reason patients seek spine care. Neurosurgeons are experts in identifying and treating nerve root impingement.

Cervical radiculopathy

Similar to sciatica, cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and shoulders. It often causes pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms. A spine surgeon may recommend physical therapy, injections, or surgery based on the severity of the condition.

Spinal cord compression or injury

When the spinal cord is compressed due to trauma, tumors, or degenerative changes, a spine surgeon can take steps to protect nerve function.

Spinal tumors

Tumors that grow near or around the spinal cord need to be removed with surgical precision to preserve neurological function.

Spine Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon: Is There a Difference?

There isn’t truly a difference between a spine surgeon vs. neurosurgeon. But a spine surgeon has honed their skills and focused on the spine, rather than other parts of the nervous system, like the brain.

Whether your symptoms are caused by age-related changes, injury, or disease, spine surgeons are trained to diagnose the problem accurately. They are also there to guide you through both nonsurgical options and advanced surgical procedures.

Don’t delay getting help for chronic spine problems – schedule an appointment with an experienced spine surgeon today!