When your neck pain is so bad it’s affecting your everyday life, it’s time to get treatment. Though some treatments may relieve your pain for a short time, your pain may continue and worsen. In this case, you may need surgery to get rid of your neck pain for good. But how do you choose the right surgeon for such a delicate procedure?
At Kellogg Brain and Spine, our team helps you get to the bottom of your neck pain, so you can finally get the treatment you need. Dr. Jordi Kellogg is our expert neurosurgeon who specializes in many treatments, including neck surgery.
Neck surgery isn’t usually the first treatment option for neck pain. However, if your neck pain affects the way you live your daily life, it might be time to consider the next step.
Often, conservative treatments are the go-to option for neck pain. These treatments include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Steroid injections are also included in the conservative category. Although these treatments are common, they don’t always fix the issue that’s causing your pain.
If you’ve been suffering from neck pain and conservative measures haven’t worked, Dr. Kellogg may suggest surgical intervention to improve your quality of life. But what conditions warrant surgical repair? If you suffer from any of the following, neck surgery could be in the cards for you:
These conditions can happen over time or come on suddenly from a traumatic event like a fall or accident. Either way, you don’t want to wait too long to get treatment, because of the danger of complications.
If you’re at the point of needing neck surgery, how do you choose who will perform the procedure? You may be nervous, scared, and want a provider who has the skill and communication to keep you calm and repair the damage in your neck.
Dr. Kellogg is an expert neurosurgeon who possesses the skill and knowledge to get you the treatment you need.
Choosing a neurosurgeon shouldn’t be something you just do on a whim. You’re talking about someone who’s going to open up your neck and delicately work around your spinal cord. You want someone who has expertise in multiple types of neck surgery, who also has a good bedside manner.
So what steps can you take to make sure that you find the right neurosurgeon for you? The answer is a little bit of research. There are a few things that you should look for in a good neurosurgeon, including:
When it comes to your health, communication is key when it comes to your health. You want to find a neurosurgeon who not only explains things well, but also respects your decisions about your health.
A good neurosurgeon should be open and willing to discuss any questions that you have about your upcoming procedure.
When looking for a neurosurgeon’s credentials, make sure to find out if they’re board-certified. This may be the most vital step to finding a great neurosurgeon. This is because board certification guarantees that the surgeon has the appropriate training and skills to perform delicate surgery in your neck and spine.
You read the reviews before you make a big purchase, right? Patient reviews are also important when choosing a healthcare provider, such as a neurosurgeon. Reviews can give you a lot of insight into the provider's experience and communication.
Don’t be afraid to ask a potential neurosurgeon for their experience performing the procedure you’re having. The more they’ve performed a surgery, the more likely it is that you’ll have a good outcome.
Another great way to find a qualified neurosurgeon is to ask your primary care provider for suggestions. They’ll likely have a good idea of a neurosurgeon that they’ve had previous experience with or that they know has excellent outcomes.
Spine surgery is a big commitment, so it’s important that you take every step to ensure you achieve a good outcome. A large step of a positive outcome is a good neurosurgeon. Dr. Kellogg is an experienced, well-qualified neurosurgeon who specializes in many types of spine surgery.
If you want an expert neurosurgeon to take care of you, call one of our offices in Portland or Wilsonville, Oregon, to schedule a consultation. You can also click the request an appointment button while you’re here on our website.
