Neurosurgeon or Orthopaedic Surgeon???

[MegaLumbarPain]

44 yoa healthy male less my chronic, lumbar pain, 24/7, constant throbbing/aching w/a steady 6/7 & up pain level.  Years of back pain, gradual.  1st Discography is negative.  A 2007&09 MRI reveal L4-5 & L5-S1 DDD/herniations.  All Ortho's deny me as surgical candidate for discography does not support it and I have never had, nor to this day, ever any leg radiating pain.  ONLY in center Lumbar.  I have exhausted all Interventional procedures, i.e. P/T, Chiros, epidurals, facet blocks, etc.  PM meds. band aide the pain till my system gains to much tolerance, and I take a "drug holiday".  Never been addicted to any med., but cannot work or even socialize without.  I am looking for a surgical solution, not a remaining opiate style of life.  A current Discography in 1/2011 however is POSITIVE & referring Ortho "will now" perform surgery as medical proof is there, even though the 09' MRI clearly shows the DDD in above levels.  Million $ question is now:  Ortho v. Neuro Surgeon?  I have been told I have a healthy and strong spine.  And we all know Ortho is bone & Neuro is nerve, right?  And it is the nerve telling my brain to pain me.  On 1/31st is my 1st time ever Neuro Surgeon consult.  Either way, it is Ortho or Neuro to do the Disc. Fusion I need.  I am leaning towards Neuro, for all data I have read and research done. Your thoughts please?  Thx. for the read n your time!  MegaLumbarPain out.          

[Phyllis2010]

Good luck on Monday interested in knowing what your neuro says. Mine does NOT want me to have surgery, despite multiple problems, referred me for physical therapy. That and vitamin D have helped me immensely

[MegaLumbarPain]

thx for your reply!  One Ortho so far tells me UP FRONT that I will not obrtain 100% relief!  He tells me 60-70% releif as best.  Seeing the Neuro this Mon. the 31st and very curious as to his "plan of attack."

[MZ33]

Did any doctor tell you that surgery may not relieve your
pain.The hard truth is a fusion will in most cases lead you
to another fusion.Look around this site and you will find this
is true.I am one of thoes people and surgery did not
reduce my pain but increased it.I will tell you that
I used a neurosurgeon both times!
MZ33

[ruby902]

Neurosurgeons, I have had herniation's and had a fusion I would not let a ortho touch my back I know lots of good ones but for the spine no way.I am in the medical field so I have seen alot. Also not to be discouraging but be sure to research doctors as there are lots of failed back surgeries out there.

[MegaLumbarPain]

Thanks Phylis!  Your now my 2nd reply, and I truly appreciate!  Members, I'm looking for more of your valuable insight....

[Phyllis2010]

Hey, wishing you well, but you're preaching to the choir here -- I support your choice of a Neuro vs an Ortho. I'm currently being managed by a neurologist and, when indicated, will be referred to a neurosurgeon/spinal specialist. It's my feeling that neuros are better qualified to deal with issues involving the spine, nerves, etc, though there seems to be competition between the two specialties for patients which makes it a difficult choice for us. Also, my neighbor had an Ortho operate on her cervical spine -- not a good outcome. Just my opinions.