Pittsburgh is one of the oldest cities in the country. In the ‘City of Bridges’, there are over 446 bridges connecting various parts of the city. Spinal issues in Pittsburgh are as prevalent as in other parts of the country. If you have a spinal disorder, a Pittsburgh board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon is the person to see. A spine surgeon is a surgeon who focuses on disorders of the bones and associated tissues. Spine surgery is the most common type of neurosurgery.
The following is what to look for when you want to see a spine specialist.
State and Board Certification
Since board certification indicates that the surgeon has received extra training and is qualified, it is crucial. The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) provides board certification in neurosurgery after five years of residency training in neurological surgery. Certification requires passage of both oral and written exams. A spine surgeon’s license should be in good standing, too, if you want one to treat you.
Experience with Your Condition
You should also find out how many procedures of this type a doctor has performed. A neurosurgeon’s experience is invaluable when it comes to spine surgery in Pittsburgh. When searching for a neurosurgeon, the number of years they’ve been in practice is a good indication of experience.
Professional Activities
A doctor should be genuinely interested in teaching and training people. You could ask how much time is spent doing research and publishing papers. Look for a doctor who has been involved in new developments and innovations in the field of neurosurgery. A neurosurgeon should be involved in community outreach activities.
Communication Skills
You should not have to force your doctor to answer your questions or feel that it is none of your business if you ask something that they consider confidential. You must feel confident that the person you are talking to knows their field and is willing to share information with you. You should also feel at ease asking how many surgeries the doctor has performed. Good communication between a neurosurgeon, physical therapist, and patient is critical.
Care for Your Complimentary Health Needs
Once your spine surgery in Pittsburgh is over, your bone and a joint specialist will prescribe a course of physical therapy to help you recover well. The same surgeon should also facilitate the process by referring you to a physical therapist who is qualified and experienced. Complementary health services include nutrition and weight-loss counseling, stress management, and biofeedback.
Spinal disorders are not uncommon in Pittsburgh or anywhere else; that is why you should find out what to look for when searching for a spine specialist. This will help you get the best treatment possible. When you go in for spine surgery in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, ensure that you see a board-certified spine surgeon who has a lot of good experience. A good doctor should have all the qualifications mentioned above. If they don’t have them, it is best to look for another one.
