Back pain that won't relent is one of the common types of chronic pain globally. People living with severe back pain might think of undergoing spine surgery. Surgery is crucial because it helps stabilise the spine, realign crooked backbones, or ease pressure on nerves. Before surgery, however, here are four reasons why you should consult a neurologist when experiencing spinal or back pain.
Neurologists Can Diagnose Spinal Pain and Offer Relevant Treatment Options
Every patient has unique spinal conditions, with different levels of severity associated with disc and bone abnormalities. Neurologists have adequate training to determine the causes of these symptoms. They can use EMG tests to assess nerve injury and determine whether the condition is reversible in the long- or short-term.
It's wise for patients to consult independent neurologists to have an unbiased second opinion when considering spine surgery. For non-emergency cases, using a conservative approach can be optimal and possible as well.
Most Surgeons Specialise in Surgery Alone
Before the surgery, surgeons order tests such as X-Rays and MRIs in a similar fashion as family doctors. They often overlook other non-surgical treatments. And this could mean that even the best surgeons in the industry could recommend unnecessary spinal surgery. A neurologist, on the other hand, can find the source of the symptoms and recommend the right treatment.
Independent Neurologists Can Offer Trustworthy Referrals to Surgeons
Non-surgical treatments may not be sufficient for some patients, even with the best medical care. For instance, disc herniation can become quite severe that bones build around nerves and cause extreme strain. In such a case, an independent neurologist can quickly diagnose the condition and refer the patient to the best surgeons. These surgeons can offer the recommended spinal surgery.
Neurologists Establish Long-Term Connections with Patients
After surgery, a surgeon is less likely to care about a patient's back pain over the long term. The patient may only get the chance to meet the surgeon on a follow-up visit a couple of months or so after surgery. A patient must go through a plethora of stages to regain the right posture and muscle stability.
The best a surgeon can do from here is to refer the patients to physical therapy or leave them to find the right one for themselves. However, consulting a neurologist can offer the best experience compared to starting with a surgeon. Neurologists often stand by the patients in the long run.
To conclude, when it comes to spine surgery, it's crucial to consult a neurologist before visiting the surgeon. There are many benefits associated with this approach, as discussed above. A neurologist provides precise diagnosis, recommends the right treatment and will be present until the patient attains full recovery.