Signs it’s Time to See a Neurosurgeon for Your Back Pain

A man in a blue shirt is grimacing and holding his neck like he is in pain.

Millions of people experience back pain each year. In most cases, back pain can be managed with treatments such as physical therapy, epidural injections, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

However, there are instances when back pain may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires the expertise of a neurosurgeon. Let’s look at these factors and when it’s time to book an appointment with one of the neurosurgeons at Huntsville Hospital’s Spine & Neuro Center.

Failed conservative treatments

If you’ve tried physical therapy, medications and injections without finding relief from your back pain, you may need to seek the opinion of a neurosurgeon. They can assess your condition, review your medical history and determine if surgical intervention is necessary. Neurosurgical procedures, such as spinal fusion or decompression, can be considered for cases where conservative treatments aren’t working.

The neurosurgeons at Huntsville Hospital’s Spine & Neuro Center will try every conservative treatment before recommending surgery. The group is conservative in surgical treatment and views surgery as a later option.

Persistent or worsening pain

Back pain lasting more than a few weeks, or worsening pain despite conservative treatments, may indicate that you should consult a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the spine, nervous system, and brain. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. At Huntsville Hospital’s Spine & Neuro Center, our physicians will use images to examine your spine, neck or brain and get an in-depth look at what could be causing your issues.

Neurological symptoms

Neurological symptoms combined with back pain may mean you need to see a neurosurgeon. These symptoms can include radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet. Such symptoms may suggest nerve compression or damage, which can be caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis or spinal tumors. Neurosurgeons are specifically trained to address these complex conditions and can recommend appropriate treatment options.

Traumatic injuries

Are you experiencing back pain after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or fall? If so, it’s crucial to consult a neurosurgeon to prevent further damage. Trauma to the spine can result in fractures, dislocations or other severe injuries that may require surgical intervention. Neurosurgeons have the expertise to assess the extent of the damage and determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.

Huntsville Hospital’s Spine & Neuro neurosurgeons are on call for Huntsville Hospital, which is one of the few Level I trauma centers in Alabama. If you get into a car accident or fall anywhere in north Alabama and are transported to Huntsville Hospital, you will see one of Spine & Neuro’s on-call neurosurgeons.

Christopher Hargett, DO, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Huntsville Hospital Spine & Neuro Center. If back pain is stopping you from doing what you love, it’s time to see a neurosurgeon at Spine & Neuro.

Call 256-533-1600 to make an appointment today.

Click here to learn more about Huntsville Hospital’s Spine & Neuro Center and our providers.