I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. I’ve had two extensive Lumbar Spine Laminectomies and Fusions, plus spacers and rods. I only have one Lumbar disc yet to be operated on, plus a lot more up my spine, but you get the point.

The first thing I would tell you is that I’ve interviewed orthopoedic surgeons and neurosurgeons for my surgeries and I would always choose a highly-regarded neurosurgeon over a highly regarded orthopoedic surgeons. There are two reasons for this: 1) Am orthopoedic surgeons is more highly trained in matters pertaining to your spinal chord and central nervous system - where there is the most risk in an operation on your spine, and 2). A neurosurgeon has much more extensive and intricate training. If a neurosurgeon, heart surgeon and orthopedic surgeon are in an operating room together, the neurosurgeon is always the leader for just this reason.

Next, I’d want to know if your lumbar spine pain is affecting the functioning of your arms, legs, or other parts of your body outside of your spine. My neurosurgeon decided to operate on me the first time because my right leg/hip wasn’t functioning and made if difficult to impossible to walk, depending on the day. My second surgery took place only after my right leg and hip made had me limping severely and my right glut was in non-stop spasm. I’m not a doctor, but I do know that my neurosurgeon (and many others) do not operate on people with back pain alone. (I believe one-third of adults in the US report back pain.). I’d still see a neurologist associated with a practice that includes one, or more neurosurgeons. My bet is, though, that they’ll prescribe alternate, non-surgical forms of treatment.

One more note: please be cautious about neurologists, surgeons, or pain management doctors who prescribe opioid-based pain meds any more than short-term (30-60 days). Even if you’re awaiting surgery, opt for non-opioid spinal injections first. They can be remarkably helpful.

Hope this helps! Good luck!