People who have neck and back pain often seek medical care from their family or primary doctor first. In plenty of cases, however, they will need to see a spine surgeon. A spine surgeon is a doctor who completed additional training in diagnosing and treating conditions of the spine, such as herniated discs, infections, congenital abnormalities and osteoporosis. Majority of them are neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons who have as well completed fellowship training in spine.

 

If you're searching for a spine surgeon, you need to consider a few things. First, the physician you choose should be board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine. You can read more chirurgie du rachis information online.

 

You'd also want a spine specialist who devotes no less than half of his practice treating spinal condition. A spine surgeon who spends a lot of time with spine patients will obviously have more knowledge on advanced technologies and techniques.

 

Aside from the credentials of the doctor, you'd also want to consider how you get along with him. Besides, your cooperation as a patient is critical to your own recovery; if you can't give your full cooperation because you're uncomfortable with your spine surgeon, the outcome of your treatment may be compromised. Good communication is still essential in any doctor-patient relationship, so when assessing your prospective surgeon at http://www.drhovorka.org, considering the following:

 

Does he bother to explain to you the full details of your condition, as well as answer your questions about it? Does he give you enough time when you're in his clinic? Is it easy for you to reach him? Is he okay with you getting a second opinion?

 

Have the doctor tell you about his experience with modern spine surgery techniques and technologies. What is the number of spine surgeries he has performed so far? Is he happy to give you names and phone numbers of some of his former patients?

 

Also inquire from the doctor or anybody in the office whether or not they will accept your health insurance, what will be covered, and what you may have to pay out-of-pocket. You must also get an idea about back pain surgery at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allen-frances/theres-no-back-pain-surgery-cant-make-worse_b_6397738.html.

 

Of course, the best route to a reliable spine surgeon is a personal referral by a person you trust, such as your family doctor, your friends or relatives.

 

After knowing what things to look for in a spine specialist, it's time to learn about the things to watch out for.

 

For example, you should be cautious with a doctor who tries to stop you from obtaining a second opinion, or one who doesn't answer all of your questions or even seems to get irritated each time you ask.

 

Also be sensitive to a doctor who is indirectly convincing you to have surgery, and preventing you from considering more prudent options. Remember, only you can ever decide if you want to go for it or not. Your doctor's job is just to provide you all the information that will form the basis for your decision. Finally, choose a spine surgeon who is honest about the various treatment options, results, and costs.