If you’ve concluded that facet syndrome surgery should be the next phase of your treatment, you’ll probably want to move quickly so that you can overcome your pain and get on with your life. Keep in mind, though, that a spine procedure is a big step, and it is almost always elective. This means that your decision to move forward with surgery will likely be based solely on your ability to tolerate your symptoms and the results you’ve achieved with other treatments in the past.

Of course, only you know how you feel. If your discomfort is impacting your quality of life, surgery may be necessary for you. To help ensure that you make the best possible decision, you are encouraged to proceed carefully and seek the advice of an experienced and trusted spine surgeon. But, how should you go about selecting your surgeon, and why is this so important?

Consider the multiple roles of a surgeon

Prior to performing your facet syndrome surgery, your surgeon can answer your questions and provide all of the information you need to feel confident in your treatment decisions. As part of this process, he or she may discuss nonsurgical alternatives that you are unaware of. It will be important for you to take some time to consider all of the treatment options that are appropriate for you. Your goal should be to find effective treatment through the most conservative method possible.

If it ultimately turns out that surgery is the right answer for you, your surgeon can explain the recommended procedure in detail, including the associated benefits and recovery period. This will help ensure that you are prepared — physically, mentally and emotionally — for the road that lies ahead.

The types of surgeons who perform spine surgery

Either an orthopedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon may perform your facet syndrome surgery. Both types of specialists are equally well-qualified to perform spine surgery. A more important factor to consider when selecting your surgeon is the extent of his or her practice that is devoted to performing spine surgery. This is a key consideration. Remember, an experienced surgeon will have had more opportunities to become proficient in performing the latest surgical techniques than a surgeon who performs facet syndrome surgery only sporadically.

How to find a surgeon

If you’d like some advice on how to find the surgeon who will perform your facet syndrome surgery, a good place to start is with your primary care physician, who may be able to provide a recommendation. Likewise, you might want to check your local hospitals and universities, which may offer physician referral services. Talk with your family members and friends as well. It’s highly likely that you already know someone who has been treated for facet syndrome or another type of back pain. When you receive a lead, you can check the surgeon’s website online to gather further information.

The team at USA Spine Care can also provide assistance. When surgery is necessary to address facet syndrome, our surgeons perform several minimally invasive outpatient procedures that are safer and effective alternatives to traditional open spine surgery.^

Contact USA Spine Care to find out if you’re a candidate for our minimally invasive facet syndrome surgery.

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