I am headed towards surgery for a herniated disc--I've seen two orthopedic surgeons, should I see a Neuro? What is the prevailing opinion on which to use for back surgery, ortho or neuro?

What is the prevailing opinion on which to use for back surgery, ortho or neuro?

I think what matters is the surgeon's experience, rate of success (ask for a definition of the term) and reherniation rate. I found a surgeon to do my microdiscectomy who had a success rate (significant and lasting reduction of leg pain) of better than 95% and a reherniation rate of less than 3%, computed over a career of 30 years, including 1500 microdiscectomies. To find a really good surgeon, ask the opinion of physical therapists who work with people recovering from microdiscectomies. They know whose patients do well after surgery and whose don't do as well.

I am headed towards surgery for a herniated disc--I've seen two orthopedic surgeons, should I see a Neuro? What is the prevailing opinion on which to use for back surgery, ortho or neuro?

:wave: Dear Dexter, I think you should see a Neuro for peace of mind. Depending on what a lumbar\cervical MRI would show about possible nerve damage to your spinal cord (and any in progress), you should be aware of your actual condition as much as possible before traumatizing your body with the surgery.

X-rays tell one story, MRIs tell another, and EKGs another part of your story.

Best Wishes to You,

LucyVP3

:wave:

Dexter,
My name is Randee and I am thirteen days post op. I initially saw an ortho, when surgery was indicated it was my ortho who sent me to a neuro. I had
L5-S1 fusion with iliac crest graph with screws and rods. Simply stated , spinal fusion with bone graph from the pelvic region secured with rods and screws. My surgery appears to be a total success. I just wanted to point out that my ortho does the surgery with an assist from a neuro, I quess to cover all bases. It gave me great piece of mind knowing I had two surgeons with a long list of success stories. Your ortho may also require an asssisting neuro, ask his opinion. My biggest piece of advice for anyone anticipating surgery is to ask questions, questions and more questions. Your doctor may even be willing to let you speak to some of his patients to share their experiences, not at all uncommon. Ask him, he may use a neuro regularly or at your request.
Good Luck- feel free to ask me any questions you have that I may help you with. I am feeling so much better these days (aside from normal post-op pain) that I would like to share all I've learned with anyone I can. It's amazing how much your life can change(for the better).
GOOD LUCK, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! :angel:

Randee,

Was your ortho a spinal specialist? Was the NS a spinal specialist. A urologist has told me that my bladder problems are electrical not mechanical. I also have off and on tingling/numbness/pain in my legs and feet. I have an appointment coming up with an ortho with a spine fellowship. I'm hoping that will be enough.

fly

Randee,

Was your ortho a spinal specialist? Was the NS a spinal specialist. A urologist has told me that my bladder problems are electrical not mechanical. I also have off and on tingling/numbness/pain in my legs and feet. I have an appointment coming up with an ortho with a spine fellowship. I'm hoping that will be enough.

fly
Yes my ortho was one of five or six doctors in their practice, he was the spinal specialist. Honestlly don't know if the neuro was a spinal specialist. It sounds like you've chosen the right doctor, I would be inclined to stick whith a doctor that had extensive spinal experience. The urologist seems to be indicating that your bladder problem is nerve related, when he refers to it as electrical. The numbness, tingling. etc would be enough to have me at a doctor pronto knowing what I know now.
Good Luck

Randee,

Was your ortho a spinal specialist? Was the NS a spinal specialist. A urologist has told me that my bladder problems are electrical not mechanical. I also have off and on tingling/numbness/pain in my legs and feet. I have an appointment coming up with an ortho with a spine fellowship. I'm hoping that will be enough.

fly

Would you elaborate on "electrical vs. mechanical" bladder problems? A relative had excessive urination after his surgery.

Thank you.

Would you elaborate on "electrical vs. mechanical" bladder problems? A relative had excessive urination after his surgery.

I had a urodynamics test by a urologist and it was determined that my bladder wasn't getting the signal to open up when full.

My problem is sometimes, like when I get up in the morning, I have the urge to go but I can't go.

I'm sorry. That is a terrible problem. Any progress made?

My relative got up all during the night to urinate a few ounces at a time. That irritated the surgical staples, and made recovery longer.

The doctor gave him a pill to help him sleep through the night, and the condition went away.

The mind is quite powerful, isn't it? When it teams with the body, neuro + physical, no wonder it can be unstoppable.

Best wishes

LUCYVP3