A spine surgeon is trained to manage spine conditions using a range of modalities, whereby surgery is only considered as the last resort.
Most conditions are treated successfully without any surgery.
An Orthopaedic surgeon manages bone, joint and soft tissue conditions, however a sometimes orthopaedic surgeons further specialize in the Spine.
A neurosurgeon manages brain and spinal chord related conditions.
Often the two work together to manage spinal conditions.
Dr J Pillay is an orthopaedic surgeon who has done further training in spinal pathologies, and thus is capable of managing spine and spinal chord conditions.
Most cases of lower back pain can be treated without the need for surgery, using various modalities such as physiotherapy, bio-kinetics and medication. There are only specific indications for spinal surgeries, such as spinal instabilities, neurological compromise and trauma.
This is a common misconception: very rarely will one end up with paralysis from lower back pain. Lower back pain itself will not lead to paralysis, there must be other causes.
An MRI scan is a special type of scan which allows us to see detailed images of the spine and spinal chord. It is painless and will involve a person laying down on a scanning bed for approximately 30 minutes.
Spine surgery done for the correct indication is often very successful and many people report excellent long term outcomes and improved quality of life. Any surgery, spinal or other, has risks associated with it and your doctor will discuss all of these with you beforehand and provide you with all of the options available. With modern diagnostic and monitoring equipment these risks are often minimize.
No, after surgery your pain should improve, the time frame will depend on the type and complexity of the surgery. If, however, you are still experiencing pain, an investigation needs to be done to find the cause of the ongoing pain, such that the pathology can be remedied, and pain improved.
