The short answer is no, a referral to a spine surgeon does not always mean surgery.
It’s a common, but incorrect, the perception that a referral to an orthopedic spine surgeon always means surgery is necessary. In our experience, the majority of patients with lower back or neck problems can be effectively treated without surgery.
In our practice, the first step in the management of anyone with a cervical or lumbar complaint is arriving at an accurate diagnosis that adequately explains the symptoms the patient is experiencing. This always involves a detailed evaluation, a thorough physical examination, and is often supplemented with x-rays and advanced imaging modalities such as MRI scans, CT scans and other diagnostic testing.
Key Takeaways
Referred to a Spine Surgeon? Here Is What That Actually Means
Getting referred to a spine surgeon does not automatically mean you are heading toward the operating room. Here is what a referral for neck or back pain typically involves.
- The majority of patients with lower back or neck problems can be treated effectively without surgery.
- Your first visit typically starts with a detailed evaluation and physical exam to find an accurate diagnosis for your symptoms.
- Imaging such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans is often used to confirm what is causing your pain before any treatment decision is made.
- Non-surgical options like physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections are commonly tried, often alongside neurologists, radiologists, and pain management specialists.
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Once a diagnosis is established, a discussion then takes place where a therapeutic roadmap is established. This roadmap is customized for every patient and their specific diagnosis, taking into account their activity levels, goals, and needs. The treatments may involve physical therapy, certain medications, and/or targeted injections to achieve pain relief.
We have assembled a world-class team of physical therapists, neurologists, radiologists and interventional pain management specialists with great expertise, who work in concert with Dr. Saadat to restore your function and quality of life. Speak with Dr. Saadat about our spine surgery treatment philosophy options.
Just Got Referred to a Spine Surgeon? That Does Not Mean Surgery Is Inevitable.
A referral can feel like a scary word, but it simply means getting a specialist's opinion. Most patients we see are treated without ever needing an operation. Dr. Saadat will listen to your story and walk you through every option, surgical and not, before anything is decided.
Book a Consultation with Dr. SaadatOf course, not every spinal problem is amenable to non-surgical care, and there are circumstances where surgery is necessary or recommended. Conditions such as progressive cervical myelopathy and severe lumbar stenosis, and more rare circumstances when a fracture, infection or tumor is involved, fall into this category. Sometimes, pain from cervical radiculopathy or lumbar radiculopathy persists despite maximal non-surgical management.
Yet in other situations, a previous spinal surgery may have failed in achieving the desired results, necessitating corrective revision surgery. In these circumstances, we devise a customized surgical plan for each patient, taking into account the specifics of their imaging findings.
Not Sure What to Expect at Your First Spine Consultation? We Will Walk You Through It.
Not knowing what happens next is often the hardest part. Your first visit is really just a conversation and an exam to understand what is going on, no pressure and no assumptions about surgery. Dr. Saadat and his team are happy to explain each step before you come in.
Get a Personalized Treatment PlanOur surgical philosophy is that surgery should be performed only when necessary, and it should involve the least invasive and most effective techniques to accomplish explicit and clear goals. Whenever possible, we use motion-preservation techniques or non-fusion options that preserve the natural spinal motion and shorten the postoperative recovery time.
Spinal conditions are often complex and sophisticated, but so is our understanding and approach to solving them. If you have not received an adequate diagnosis, or have been offered surgery, visit us for a second opinion.
FAQ
Questions About Getting Referred to a Spine Surgeon
No. The majority of patients with lower back or neck problems can be treated effectively without surgery. A referral simply means a specialist will evaluate your condition and help determine the most appropriate treatment, which is often non-surgical.
Your first visit focuses on reaching an accurate diagnosis. This includes a detailed evaluation, a thorough physical exam, and often imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm what is causing your symptoms.
Common non-surgical options include physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections. Dr. Saadat often works alongside physical therapists, neurologists, radiologists, and interventional pain management specialists to build the right plan.
Reaching a treatment plan is usually a team effort. Physical therapists, neurologists, radiologists, and interventional pain management specialists may all contribute to your diagnosis and care before surgery is ever recommended.