“The statistics show that almost 80% of Americans will develop back or neck pain at some point in their life. Knowing this, it can be difficult to know when to see a neurosurgeon specialized in spine diseases to help you,” says WashU Medicine neurosurgeon Magalie Cadieux, MD, MMSc.
Being evaluated by a neurosurgeon does not mean that you will necessarily need surgery. Sometimes the consultation helps us find the source of your back or neck pain, and we may recommend trying non-surgical treatments before considering any surgery. These are some signs that you to seek help from a neurosurgeon specialized in back or neck pain:
- Your back pain or neck pain is accompanied with radicular symptoms (shooting pain or numbness going down your arm or leg).
- You have tried many steroid injections, and they are no longer helping your pain.
- Weakness of a limb is present such as dragging your leg or losing grip with your hands.
- Your back pain is accompanied by loss of balance or gait (walking) problems.
- You feel like your posture is being affected by the pain.
- Your symptoms have lasted for more than two months without improvement after non-surgical options (physical therapy, pain management).
If your neurosurgeon recommends back or neck surgery, they will discuss the procedure options that best fit your specific condition. The type of surgery varies based on the spine anatomy, the quality of the bone, and the specific findings on your MRI or CT-scan of the spine. Here are some of the most common spine surgeries your neurosurgeon could offer you:
- Posterior cervical fusion and decompression: A surgery done from the back of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The surgeon also places screws and rods to stabilize the spine and help the bones fuse together.
- Posterior cervical laminoplasty: A procedure that creates more space for the spinal cord by hinging open the back part of the spine like a “door.” This reduces pressure while helping preserve neck movement.
- Minimally invasive decompression (tubular or endoscopic): A small-incision approach using tiny tubes or a camera to remove tissue or bone that’s pinching a nerve. This method usually causes less pain and leads to a quicker recovery.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or disc arthroplasty: A surgery done from the front of the neck to remove a damaged disc pressing on nerves. The surgeon then either fuses the bones or replaces the disc with an artificial one to maintain some motion.
- Posterior lumbar fusion (minimally invasive or open) with or without interbody: A lower-back surgery that stabilizes the spine by joining two or more bones together. A spacer (interbody cage) may be placed between the bones to restore height and reduce nerve pressure.
- Spinal deformity correction surgery: A procedure to straighten or stabilize an abnormal curve in the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis. Rods, screws, and other tools are used to improve alignment and reduce pain.
To make an appointment with a WashU Medicine neurosurgeon like Dr. Cadieux, please visit our website.
To call for an adult appointment: 314-362-3577
To call for a pediatric appointment: 314-454-2810