Relief from Back Pain: Orthopedic vs Neurosurgery

In short, 

• Orthopedics procedures that relieve back pain focus on the bones and joints of the spine.
• Neurosurgery centers on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• While both specialties often overlap and treat similar conditions, choosing the right specialty depends on your specific needs and required level of care.

At United Regional, our expert neurosurgeons perform all spine surgeries using state-of-the-art technology.

We believe that understanding your care options and the surgical technology we use helps empower you to make informed decisions. Below, we compare orthopedic procedures for the spine with neurosurgery and how they treat different severity of pain.

Understanding Orthopedic Treatments for Back Pain

Orthopedics is dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. United Regional Orthopedics provides pain management solutions to patients who do not yet require surgery. 

What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the central and peripheral nervous systems. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the intricate network of nerves that travel throughout your body.

While people often associate neurosurgeons with brain surgery, a significant portion of their practice involves the spine. Because the spinal column houses and protects the spinal cord, neurosurgeons are experts at relieving pressure on delicate nerve pathways.

They are typically the primary surgeons for conditions involving tumors inside the spinal cord, vascular malformations, or severe nerve and spinal cord damage.

The Overlap: Where Both Specialties Excel

While the line between these fields was once distinct, orthopedics and neurosurgery now share significant overlaps. Specialized training ensures that both specialties are highly qualified to provide back pain relief. 

While both specialties offer unique expertise, spine surgeries at United Regional are performed exclusively by our board-certified neurosurgeons. Our neurosurgical team combines structural and neurological knowledge with advanced imaging and navigation technology to deliver safe, precise, and compassionate care for every patient.

Advancing spine surgery with StealthStation™

Regardless of the approach, precision and safety are paramount in spine surgery. Our neurosurgeons leverage the StealthStation™ surgical navigation system, which greatly enhances the planning and execution of even the most complex spinal procedures.

The StealthStation™ is a computer-guided navigation system that empowers our neurosurgeons to:

Plan Personalized Procedures

No two patients are exactly the same. The StealthStation™ enables our surgeons to design a surgical plan tailored to your individual spinal anatomy. This level of customization minimizes surprises on the day of surgery and helps ensure the smoothest path to healing.

Navigate With Real-Time 3D Visualization

During surgery, the StealthStation™ provides real-time, three-dimensional visualization of your spine, serving as a high-tech GPS for your procedure. Our neurosurgeons track their instruments’ locations moment by moment, navigating delicate structures with confidence and accuracy.

Ensure Accurate Implant Placement

When spinal stabilization requires implants or hardware, our neurosurgeons use the StealthStation™ to place these devices with exceptional accuracy. This technology optimizes your safety and surgical outcome while reducing the risks associated with traditional procedures.

Enhancing Precision with the O-Arm™ Imaging System

Collaboration between precise navigation and clear visualization is essential. The O-Arm™ imaging system augments our neurosurgeons’ capabilities with high-quality, intraoperative 3D images of your anatomy.

Confirming Hardware Placement During Surgery

Instead of waiting for post-operative X-rays to check implant placement, the O-Arm™ provides real-time, highly detailed images right in the surgical suite. Our neurosurgeons can visually confirm the exact location of every implant and screw before completing your surgery. 

This eliminates uncertainty and reduces the potential need for revision procedures.

Making Instant, Informed Decisions

The ability to access 3D images in real time means our neurosurgeons can immediately make any necessary adjustments, enhancing accuracy and safety. This is a major advancement for our patients and represents United Regional’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of spine care.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A New Standard of Care

Combining StealthStation™ and O-Arm™ technologies enables United Regional neurosurgeons to provide minimally invasive orthopedic surgery of the spine. This approach means smaller incisions, less trauma to surrounding tissues and muscles, and the potential for:

• Reduced post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery and return to the life you love

Our technology-guided, patient-centered approach provides better outcomes while prioritizing your comfort and safety.

Preparing for Your Spine Surgery

Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful surgery and smoother recovery. Following pre-operative instructions can reduce risks, minimize anxiety, and optimize your body's natural healing ability.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation and Lifestyle Adjustments

Before your procedure, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess your overall health and guide the surgical plan. This evaluation typically includes:

• A thorough review of your medical history
• A complete physical examination
• Diagnostic tests, such as blood work and chest X-rays
• Advanced imaging, like an MRI or CT scan

Your care team will also provide specific instructions on important lifestyle adjustments to make before surgery. You will likely be advised to:

• Stop smoking: Nicotine can severely impair bone healing and hinder your recovery.
• Temporarily stop certain medications: You may need to pause medications like blood thinners to minimize bleeding risks during the procedure.

It is essential to communicate openly with your medical team about all medications and supplements you are taking to ensure your safety.

Your Recovery Journey

Recovery after spine surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and commitment. Our compassionate team can help you regain your strength, mobility, and independence.

Your long-term recovery involves dedicated rehabilitation. A personalized physical therapy program will focus on strengthening your core muscles, improving your posture, and safely increasing your range of motion.

Following your home exercise program and avoiding strenuous activities are vital for optimal healing and preventing re-injury.

Explore Surgery of the Spine in Northern Texas

United Regional is proud to be the trusted healthcare provider for Wichita Falls and the surrounding communities. All of our spine surgeries are performed by highly skilled neurosurgeons using the most advanced technology available to deliver safer, more precise care and the best possible outcomes.

If you are interested in learning more about orthopedic surgery of the spine or neurosurgery, or to discuss how our neurosurgical spine team can help you reclaim your quality of life, please call United Regional today at (940) 764-7000 to schedule a consultation.