If I need surgery should I see an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon for my spine problem?
The first thing to consider is IF you REALLY need surgery. An honest surgeon will tell you that surgery has a high failure rate, estimated at 50% within the first two years. But there ARE cases where conservative care does not handle the problem. My opinion is to start with a chiropractor who treats many cases of lower back pain. If you don’t have at least 20% relief in the first three weeks, you should ask for a referral. And don’t be hesitant to seek another opinion from another chiropractor. I have seen many people make the statement “I didn’t get results with chiropractic.” When I then ask them how many chiropractors they saw they tell me “Oh just one”. What you need to understand is that there are MANY different techniques to treat back problems in the chiropractic field. What works for one patient may not work for the next. You should NOT GIVE UP hope and KEEP SEEKING for the doctor who will finally help you. I know from experience that the honest, compentent doctor will see to y
