When facing spine surgery in NJ, choosing the best surgeon for your condition is one of the most important steps you can take. Working with a top rated neurosurgeon who is professional and compassionate can make you feel at ease about your pending operation.
Back pain and neck pain affects nearly everyone at one point or another. The symptoms of pain, tingling or weakness coming from your spine can make basic activities like sitting or walking difficult. Your spinal pain may affect your work duties or your normal recreational activity.
When back pain strikes, see your doctor right away to get an accurate diagnosis and to start on the correct treatment for you. Many people can successfully treat their spinal pain with conservative measures like physical therapy or steroid injections.
Some people require surgery to correct their problem. If your doctor says you need back surgery, you should learn all you can about your surgery, and you should find a reputable NJ neurosurgeon to perform your operation.
Types of Spine Surgery
There are many different causes of back and neck pain. Your symptoms may be caused by:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Slippage of one spinal bone on another
- Facet joint arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Spinal stenosis
Regardless of the cause of your spinal pain, the goal of spinal surgery in NJ remains the same: to take pressure off of your spinal nerves and stabilize your spine so you can return to full, pain-free mobility.
There are different types of surgery and different approaches to spine surgery in NJ. Various types of surgery that your doctor may employ may include:
- Spinal fusion
- Laminotomy
- Laminectomy and discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Vertebral kyphoplasty
Remember, the main goal of surgery is to stabilize your spine and take pressure off of your spinal nerves. Your doctor will choose the best surgery for your specific condition.
When facing spine surgery in NJ, many people seek out a neurosurgeon who performs minimally invasive spine surgery. This innovative approach to spine surgery involves small incisions and minimal disruption of your spinal muscles. During minimally invasive spine surgery, your neurosurgeon will use specialized tools to take pressure off your spinal nerves.
Some of the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery when compared to the standard open approach is the minimal risk of infection and blood loss during the surgery. Because of the tiny incisions used, most patients enjoy a rapid recovery after surgery with minimal pain. The standard open approach uses a large incision and dissection of your spinal muscles.
Regardless of the approach your doctor uses for spine surgery, you should find a doctor you trust and one that exhibits characteristics of a top-rated neurosurgeon.
Qualities of a Top-Rated Neurosurgeon
There are some New Jersey neurosurgeons who exhibit traits and qualities that set them apart from others. The qualities of a top-rated neurosurgeon typically include:
- Engages in research and educational pursuits in their profession
- Utilizes innovative surgical techniques like minimally invasive spine surgery
- Operates in a modern facility with like-minded professionals
- Treats patients with respect and compassion
When looking for a doctor to perform your spine surgery in NJ, you need to find one that is a leader in their field and who uses cutting edge technology during surgical procedures. Most importantly, your neurosurgeon should be someone you trust.
Find the Best Neurosurgeon
So how do you find the best neurosurgeon for your condition? Where do you start your search for a doctor to perform your spine surgery in NJ? There are some things you can do, including:
- Ask your family physician for a referral to a top-rated neurosurgeon
- Speak with family members and friends about their spine surgery
- Search the internet for reviews of NJ neurosurgeons who perform minimally invasive spine surgery.
The most important thing you can do to find the best surgeon for your spine surgery in NJ is to meet with different doctors to discuss your condition. You may have to make appointments with several doctors to find the best one for you.
The right neurosurgeon for you should take time to discuss your surgery and offer you alternatives to surgery, if any. He or she should sit down with you and answer any questions you may have about your surgery. You should not feel pressured into surgery. You should feel like your surgeon is a trusted ally who is helping you eliminate your pain and get you back to your normal lifestyle.
When meeting with neurosurgeons, check out the staff that he or she works with as well. Are they compassionate professionals? Do they treat you and your family with respect and kindness?
Do they offer services – like pre-op education programs and insurance assistance – that can help make your surgery a little easier? All of these factors can make your spine surgery a positive one so you can focus on your recovery and the return to your active life.
When back pain strikes, you may be confused about the best treatment for your condition. If your doctor recommends surgery for your pain, finding the best neurosurgeon in NJ should be one of your main concerns.
Working with a trusted and top-rated neurosurgeon to perform your spine surgery can help you enjoy a speedy recovery with optimal outcomes. The right spine surgeon for you can help you effectively manage your back pain and get you back to your normal work and recreational activities.
