Removal of arteriosclerotic debris that has clogged neck arteries is a common neurosurgical procedure to restore normal circulation to the brain. Children may be born with a brain or spinal cord malformed at birth or abnormal spinal fluid circulation. Neurological surgery may be performed to help these children live a more normal life. Perhaps the most common condition that neurosurgeons treat is pain in the neck or lower back spreading to the arm or leg due to a ruptured disc. Slipped discs or pinched nerves may be treated non-surgically through bed rest, back braces, or physical therapy.
Neurological surgery is performed to treat disability or pain symptoms.