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All of these doctors are spine specialists. Each approaches the back
from a different perspective.
Chiropractors and physiatrists provide conservative care. Neurosurgeons
and orthopedic surgeons will provide conservative care, but can also
perform surgical procedures when needed.
Orthopedists complete up to five years of training that focuses
primarily on bone problems. A neurosurgeon’s seven-year residency training
emphasizes the nerves as well as the spinal bones. All neurosurgeons
receive extensive training in spinal medicine and surgery during their
residency. All have experience in pain management. Most neurosurgeons also
take additional advanced training in spine care. If you are referred to a
spine specialist for nerve problems like sciatica, you need to ask about
their training and experience. In Northern Californian, most neurosurgeons
have spent their careers specializing in spine.
P.S. Of all residency training programs, neurosurgery is the longest.
In addition to four years of college and four years of medical school,
most neurosurgeons complete seven years of residency and one or two years
of fellowship.
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