While both types of doctors treat problems of the spine, the difference between an orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon is largely one of background. Whereas an orthopedic spine surgeon spends part of his or her training in orthopedics and the body’s musculoskeletal structures, a neurosurgeon is trained more exclusively in studying the brain and nervous system.
An orthopedic spine surgeon is typically specialty trained, completing a fellowship in spine surgery, and usually practices surgeries exclusively on the spine. A neurosurgeon typically does not have fellowship training and may do brain surgery as well as spine surgery. It depends largely on the individual doctor’s preferences and skill set. Residents from both academic specialties can pursue fellowship training in spine surgery, and will often specialize even further in specific areas of spine surgery. However, in general, both a well-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and neurosurgeon are capable of handling most spine procedures.
When selecting between an orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon, the key is to pick the surgeon who only does spine surgery, specializes in the procedure you need to have and performs a high number of procedures every year.