Our Philosophy
Patients with back and neck problems are faced with a large number of treatment options which can be confusing and overwhelming at times. At Piedmont Neurosurgery, we know that one size does NOT fit all and treatment plans need to be individualized. We treat patients based on scientific principles (evidenced based medicine), emphasizing education, healthy lifestyles, and conservative treatments over surgery. However, when surgery is indicated, we use minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques almost exclusively. We have spent over fifteen years perfecting our MIS techniques, presenting our results at national meetings and publishing articles in prestigious journals.
All of our efforts are intended for one purpose; to provide world class contemporary neurological services with the utmost care and compassion.
Conservative
We believe that most patients with back and neck problems should undergo surgery only as a last resort. Effective patient education describing conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and pain management, allows most patients to return to normal activities with reduced pain. We strongly encourage patients to take an active role in their own care and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Patients whose symptoms have failed to improve after 6-12 weeks of conservative treatments should be referred for a surgical evaluation.
- Patients with severe weakness, difficulty walking or loss of bowel/bladder control should be referred for a surgical evaluation as soon as possible.
Minimally Invasive
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is generally less painful, results in better outcomes and far fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
We believe that when surgical treatment is necessary, MIS options are almost always available. MIS is a technique in which the surgeon operates through very small incisions using a surgical laparoscope and specially designed instruments.
For us, minimally invasive is not simply a “catch phrase”; it is the driving philosophy in our practice. Our MIS options result in far lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, better outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction. We are experts in minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly in complex spine surgery.
Proven Results
MIS is generally less painful, results in better outcomes and far fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Second Opinions: Timely and Convenient
The decision to undergo spinal surgery should never be taken lightly. Not only are there short-term surgical risks, but there are long-term risks, and spinal surgery today could lead to more spinal surgery in the future. Consequently, if you have been told you need surgery, always get a second opinion.
At Piedmont Physicians Neurosurgery, patients who have been told they need surgery are given priority status and can generally be seen by one of our providers at one of our locations within 2 business days. We do this because we feel many times, surgery is not the best option, and more conservative treatment options would be more appropriate. In situations where we do agree that surgery is appropriate, a better, more minimally invasive option is often available.
If you have been told you need surgery or if surgery has been scheduled, we urge you to consider a second opinion, with us or any other qualified spine surgeon.
How To Refer Your Patient to Piedmont
In the event that you have tried the mentioned treatments and your patient is still experiencing neck and lower back pain, please contact us to have your patient seen by a provider for a surgery consultation.
