You would be excused for believing that a spine surgeon devotes every waking moment in the operating room. Not precisely, though. To begin with, Pittsburgh board certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Joceyln Idema considers surgery to be the last resort. If an alternative exists, Dr. Idema may opt to explore that option first. In fact, she devotes a significant effort to diagnosing patients, developing treatment strategies, recommending rehabilitative therapy, and monitoring patients’ recovery. Therefore, when you make an appointment at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center, expect your orthopedic spine surgeon to do more than just surgery. Read on to understand the role of a spine surgeon and what procedures they employ to help patients find relief.
What Is The Role Of A Spine Surgeon?
Two types of specialists perform spine surgery. The first is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in treating spinal or nerve problems in the neck and back. These specialists only operate on the surgical sites in specific body areas. An orthopedic spine surgeon will also monitor the patient after treatment to ensure a full recovery.
On the other hand, the neurosurgeon is a clinician who addresses health issues caused by abnormalities in the peripheral and/or central neural systems. A neurosurgeon will also fix damage induced by trauma to the peripheral nerves, brain, or spinal cord.
When Is It Appropriate For A Physician To Recommend A Patient To An Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?
A patient will hardly talk to a spine surgeon without a referral. Initially, the primary care doctor must make a preliminary diagnosis to discover the etiology of the person’s problem. The practitioner will refer a patient to an orthopedic spine surgeon if and when:
- You suffer trauma to the neck or back
- You experience chronic or acute neck or back discomfort
- You have a degenerative health condition that impacts the nerves, muscles, or bones along the spine’s length
- The doctor identifies an issue that stems from the central nervous system
Most patients referred to a spine surgeon are concerned that they will have to undergo surgery. However, this is not always the case.
What Procedures Does A Spine Surgeon Employ To Help Patients Find Relief?
Surgery is frequently used as a last resort when no other options can deliver the best results. As a result, spine surgeons offer alternative treatments in addition to or instead of spinal surgery, including:
- Physiotherapy for patients with traumas or abnormalities that do not necessitate surgery
- Fitting orthopedic devices to repair injuries and deformities; could be used in conjunction with or without surgery
- Management of persistent neck and back disorders; for instance, arthritis
Are you concerned about persistent, excruciating pain and loss of function in your back or neck? It might be time to consider consulting an orthopedic spine surgeon. Dr. Jocelyn Idema of Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center is knowledgeable in various procedures, including artificial disc replacement, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and many more. Call the office McKees Rocks or Washington, PA office, or use the online booking tool to discuss your condition and explore the ideal care option for you today.
