Life with back or neck pain can be hard to bear. A healthy back supports your body, naturally contributing to your flexibility, balance, strength, and overall mobility. A back in pain negatively impacts all of these crucial functions and detracts greatly from your quality of life. If your back pain is severe enough that you are exploring the possibility of spinal surgery, you already understand this implicitly.
Spine surgery can offer a life-changing opportunity to regain mobility and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. But with so much at stake, selecting the right person to perform your surgery is critical. Below, we’ve put together an overview of some essential considerations to keep in mind as you seek the best fit for your particular situation.
Choose a Spine Surgeon With Great Credentials
It goes without saying that one of the first steps in researching a prospective spine surgeon should be to check their credentials. Spine surgeons must be licensed to practice medicine, but seeking a specialist who has sought and achieved a higher level of expertise by exceeding this minimum qualification is strongly recommended.
At New Jersey Spine Institute, we suggest only considering the possibility of working with spine surgeons who have the following credentials:
Board Certification
Board certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) is an option available to surgeons who have successfully completed at least five years of residency training in their specialty and passed a rigorous examination process. All of the experienced surgeons at New Jersey Spine Institute are board-certified with the American Board of Spine Surgery.
Fellowship Training
The completion of a fellowship, which involves an additional one to three years of intensive training after the completion of a surgical residency, can be a strong indicator of a spine surgeon’s competency, skill, and commitment to excellence in their field.
Extensive Spine Surgery Experience
A long-standing surgical career is often the hallmark of a highly successful surgeon, but there’s also more than just the sheer quantity of experience to keep in mind. As you search for the right spine surgeon for your needs, ask the following questions:
- How much experience do they have, specifically in spine surgery?
- Ideal Answer: You would want to hear that the surgeon has several years of experience, typically more than 8-10 years, performing spine surgeries. They should have completed a significant number of procedures, indicating that they have encountered a range of scenarios and complications.
- How current is their experience?
- Ideal Answer: The best response would be that their experience is ongoing and up-to-date. Ideally, the surgeon participates in continuous education and stays informed about the latest techniques and technologies in spine surgery. They should also be actively performing surgeries, indicating they are current with modern practices.
- How regularly do they perform surgery?
- Ideal Answer: An ideal response would be that they perform spine surgeries regularly, such as weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the complexity and demand. Regular performance of surgeries indicates proficiency and skill maintenance, essential for handling various spine issues.
- What types of procedures are they best known for?
- Ideal Answer: Ideally, the surgeon should be known for performing the specific type of spine surgery that you might require. They should be able to discuss the procedures they specialize in and explain their outcomes and success rates. This demonstrates expertise in particular areas of spine surgery, providing reassurance that they are well-equipped to address your specific condition.
At New Jersey Spine Institute, our dedicated team of surgeons are highly experienced and active, up-to-date with all the latest approaches and surgical techniques, and have plentiful experience treating a vast range of different conditions .
Read Testimonials and Reviews
When considering reviews and testimonials, be sure to seek out recommendations from doctors you already trust (medical referrals) as well as those from past patients. With online reviews, consider overall ratings, but also be sure to look for reviews written by patients whose condition(s) and needs mimic your own.
Lastly, keep an open mind. While testimonials and reviews can be a helpful tool, meeting with one or more surgeons in-person to form your own opinion is also essential.
New Jersey Spine Institute: Spine Surgeons in Bedminster, NJ
At New Jersey Spine Institute, we recognize the importance of choosing the right spine surgeon and strongly encourage our patients to make the most informed decision possible. Our award-winning surgeons are recognized as innovators in their field and offer world-class patient care supported by extensive experience and credentials.
Seeking an exceptional spine surgeon in New Jersey? Contact our clinic today to book your consultation!