Our Spine Department
Highest Level of Training
At the Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga, we take pride in offering what we feel is the best spine treatment in the area. We feel uniquely qualified to manage all your spinal disorders. We hope you will consider us as the best choice for spine treatment. Why? In most cases a neurosurgeon can provide the highest level of expertise when dealing with spine problems. That’s because neurosurgeons actually complete more spinal surgery training than any other specialty. Furthermore, we are the only physicians that treat the entire spinal axis. This includes the spinal cord itself, as well as all the structures surrounding the spinal cord: the bones of the spine, the discs, and the ligaments. Because neurosurgeons spend most of their time treating spine problems, they are familiar with all treatment options and are uniquely qualified to determine which option will be the safest and most effective for each patient. Finally, Neurosurgeons are the only spine specialists to receive formal training in Neurology and Neuro-Radiology. During residency each neurosurgeon completes rotations in these sub-specialities. We are well qualified to diagnose neurologic conditions, interpret MRI scans and CAT scans, and make professional judgment regarding treatment options.
Surgery isn’t the first option; Surgery isn’t the only option.
Although we as neurosurgeons are trained to perform highly advanced surgical techniques, the majority of our patients undergo non-surgical treatment. We offer a variety of conservative treatment options, including physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Our non-surgical rehab program is overseen by Dr. Paul Hoffmann. He is widely experienced in the latest and most comprehensive non-surgical treatment options.
If Surgery is Necessary:
Neurosurgeons offer a wide variety of surgical options to help correct spine disorders. The most common procedure is a discectomy, which involves removing the soft gel-like material in the disc. This procedure relieves the pressure on the nerve. With the spinal cord and nerves millimeters away, precision and delicacy are keys to a successful and safe procedure. Minimally Invasive Discectomies are performed minimally invasively on both the cervical and lumbar spine at the Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga, allowing for smaller incisions, greater precision and faster patient recovery. The minimally invasive procedures available today are allowing patients to leave the hospital as early as the day of surgery and returning to normal activities in days instead of weeks. A one-half inch incision is needed, resulting in less pain for the patient and reducing recovery time from eight weeks to ten days. It’s estimated that 80 percent of herniated disc patients are candidates for this procedure.
If several nerves and discs are the cause of the pain, or there is degeneration and instability in the spinal column, spinal fusion may be necessary using bone grafts and instrumentation to stabilize the vertebra. Fusion is used to add stability and prevent the disc from bulging or herniating again. New advancements in spinal fusion are being explored at the Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga.
A Center of Innovation:
The implementation of new surgical techniques for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine have put the Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga at the forefront of treatment for disc disease and other conditions. We are currently investigating new technologies in artificial disk replacements, dynamic stabilization, and osteo-biologics. For more information about neurosurgical options available for patients with spine injuries or disorders, consult your physician or call 423-265-2233.