The spine is the main center of support in the human body and consists of individual bones called vertebrae. A spinal surgeon specializes in performing operations on the back or neck, which could include procedures such as a laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion surgery. If you need to find a good spinal surgeon but don’t know where to start, then this blog post will help!
1. What is a spinal surgeon and what are they trained to do?
A spinal surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery on the spine. They are usually trained in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and general surgery.
Spinal surgeons can perform a variety of procedures on the back or neck, including:
- A laminectomy: This procedure involves removing part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- A discectomy: This procedure involves removing a herniated disc that is putting pressure on the nerves in your spine, which can cause pain and numbness.
- Spinal fusion surgery: When two vertebrae are abnormally close together because of disease or injury, this type of surgery can be performed to fuse them together. This can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
So, how do you go about finding a good spinal surgeon if you don’t have any medical knowledge? Keep reading
2. How to find the right doctor for you?
There are a number of things you can do to find the right doctor for your needs.
- Ask family and friends: If someone has had any surgery done on their back or neck, they may have been referred to a specific surgeon who specializes in this area. So ask them if they know anyone good!
- Search online: Websites like Healthgrades and Google Reviews can be a great resource for finding information on doctors in your area. You can read reviews from other patients, as well as see what kind of training and experience the doctor has.
- Schedule a consultation: Many surgeons offer free consultations, so you can meet with the doctor and ask them any questions you have about their practice. This is a great way to get a feel for the doctor and see if they are a good fit for you.
Once you have found a few surgeons that you are interested in, it’s time to do some more research!
The next step is to learn about their experience and training. Here are some things you can ask:
- How many surgeries have they performed in the past?
- What is their experience with the surgery I need?
- Are they a member of any professional organizations related to spinal surgery?
- Have they used Premia Spine TOPS System?
- Do they have hospital privileges at any hospitals near me?
- Have they ever been sued for malpractice?
These are just some of the questions you can ask to help you make a decision about which surgeon is right for you. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to feel comfortable with your doctor and trust their judgment. Only experienced surgeons like Dr. Lindsay Clark can provide you that comfort. So if you don’t have any medical knowledge, don’t worry! Just follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to finding the best spinal surgeon for you.
3. Important qualities of a good spinal surgeon
- Experience
- Certification from a medical board or other national organization
- Positive online reviews and testimonials
- Membership in professional organizations related to spinal surgery.
It is important that you understand your body, so if you have any questions about the procedure, don’t be afraid to ask! A good doctor should take the time to answer all of your questions and make you feel comfortable before surgery.
So, if you’re looking for a good spinal surgeon, be sure to keep these things in mind! And remember, the most important thing is to trust your gut and go with the doctor you feel most comfortable with.
4. Things to avoid when choosing your surgeon
- Doctors who pressure you into making a decision quickly. They should be open to your questions and concerns
- Surgeons that only have hospital privileges at one specific hospital, as this can limit the types of procedures they are able to perform
- Anyone with less than five years of experience in spinal surgery. This means they will likely still be learning and may not have the same level of experience as a more seasoned surgeon.
5. Tips on how to choose the best hospital or facility for your surgery
If you’re having surgery, it’s important to choose a hospital or surgical facility that is accredited by The Joint Commission. This means that they have met the highest standards of quality and safety in health care. You can also ask your doctor for recommendations on hospitals or surgical facilities that are experienced in performing the type of surgery you need.
6. The importance of having back surgery performed by an experienced professional
Since back surgery is major, it should be performed by an experienced professional. It’s also important to do your own research. If you don’t feel comfortable with the surgeon or ask questions, then it might be time to find someone else!
When looking for a good spinal surgeon, there are three main qualities that should stand out:
- Experience
- Certification from a medical board or national organization
- Membership in professional organizations related to spine surgery.
Spine surgery is a complex procedure, and it’s important to feel confident in your surgeon. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to voice them! You’re the one who will be going through surgery, so you should be comfortable with your doctor.
Final Notes:
In conclusion, this blog post is meant to help you find the best spinal surgeon for your needs, but it’s also important that you do your research. You can get started by asking friends or family members if they’ve had any experience with a certain practitioner and reading reviews on sites like Yelp! Keep in mind that some people feel more comfortable with one type of physician over another so try not to be too rigid when choosing someone. All of this information should give you enough tools to start narrowing down who would be the best fit for your situation. Have you found a good spine surgeon yet? If not, we’ll gladly connect you with our team of experts at Premia Spine who are ready and waiting!