Standard x-rays are also useful to look for signs of instability in the spine. It's common for patients over 60 to have abnormal MRI findings, but no symptoms. Therefore, neurosurgeons must correlate the patient's symptoms with their imaging studies before considering a procedure. Because neurosurgeons spend about 70 percent of their time treating spine problems and have been trained on diseases of the spine throughout their seven-year residency, they are familiar with all treatment options and can determine which option will be the most effective for each patient. Conservative Treatment Depending on the patient's imaging studies, symptoms and lifestyle, conservative treatment is most likely the course of action for most patients.
Neurosurgeons often work closely with physical therapists or physiatrists to coordinate treatment.
In 90 percent of cases, one of these treatment options, or time itself, will help heal the problem. I usually pursue eight to 12 weeks of conservative therapy before considering surgery. If surgery is recommended, neurosurgeons have a variety of options available to help relieve the pressure on the nerve. The most common procedure is a discectomy, which involves removing the soft gel-like material in the disc. This procedure returns the disc to a more normal shape, relieving the pressure on the nerve.