If you get confused between a spin surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon, then do not worry, you are not alone. Both of them share a common ground, but each of them has special skills related to various spine-related issues. Hence, it is important to know the difference between the two, in case you experience spine problems in the future.

In this blog, we will go through what they specialise in and what their roles are when it comes to spine-related problems.

An orthopaedic surgeon completes a five-year medical degree and then goes through extensive training for three years. Their expertise extends to all parts of the body, like hands, feet, hips, knees, and shoulders. They specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.

They are trained to perform surgeries such as joint replacements, arthroscopic procedures, and fracture repairs. Some orthopaedic surgeons may also specialise in specific areas like hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, or spine surgery.

A doctor must first complete their residency in either orthopaedic surgery or neurosurgery and then complete a specialisation focused specifically on spine surgery in order to become a spine surgeon. Their primary focus is on treating spinal disorders like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, fractures, and tumours. They offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

The best spine doctors in Ahmedabad use various surgical techniques ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex spinal reconstructions.

There are several factors, depending on your issues and symptoms, that determine whether you should visit a spine surgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon.

Choose an orthopaedic surgeon if you have one of the following conditions:

• Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

• A rounded back (kyphosis)

• Fractures and injuries to the vertebrae

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis

• Herniated disc

• Arthiritis

Choose a spinal surgeon if you have one of the following conditions:

• Significant numbness

• Tingling

• Radiating pain

• Loss of bladder/bowel control

• Tumour or growth within or near the spinal cord

• Tethered spinal cord

Both orthopaedic surgeons and spine surgeons have dedicated specialisations in their field of work. It is always advisable to visit your regular doctor first if you have any issues regarding the spine, and they can then refer you to a dedicated surgeon who specialises in the spine and has extensive experience with your specific condition.