Patient Education
What is a Spine Surgeon?
Learn about the specialized physicians who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the spinal column and spinal cord.
Experts in Spinal Health
A spine surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the spinal column, spinal cord, and surrounding nerves. These physicians complete extensive additional training beyond medical school to develop expertise in both surgical and non-surgical management of spinal disorders.
It is important to understand that spine surgeons do not only perform surgery. In fact, the majority of patients seen by a spine surgeon are treated conservatively — through medication, physical therapy, injections, or lifestyle modifications. Surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief, or when a condition poses a risk of neurological damage if left untreated.
Two Pathways to Spine Surgery
Spine surgery can be performed by physicians who trained through either of two surgical specialties. Both pathways produce highly qualified spine surgeons, though their perspectives may differ slightly based on their foundational training.
Neurosurgeons
Trained in the surgical treatment of the entire nervous system — brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Their training provides deep expertise in conditions involving the spinal cord and nerve roots, making them particularly well-suited for complex cases involving neurological compromise.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Trained in the surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Those who subspecialize in spine bring expertise in spinal biomechanics, deformity correction, and complex instrumentation techniques.
Education & Training Requirements
Medical School (4 years)
Earning an MD or DO degree with comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.
Surgical Residency (5–7 years)
Intensive hands-on training in either neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery, with progressive responsibility for patient care and surgical procedures.
Spine Fellowship (1–2 years)
Additional subspecialty training focused exclusively on spinal surgery techniques, complex cases, and the latest minimally invasive approaches.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis (narrowing)
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
Spinal fractures and trauma
Scoliosis and spinal deformity
Sciatica and radiculopathy
Spinal cord tumors
Failed back surgery syndrome
Cervical myelopathy
Common Surgical Procedures
When surgery is necessary, spine surgeons employ a variety of techniques tailored to the specific condition and its location. Modern spine surgery increasingly utilizes minimally invasive approaches that reduce tissue disruption, blood loss, and recovery time compared to traditional open procedures.
Spinal Fusion
Permanently joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful motion and stabilize the spine.
Discectomy / Microdiscectomy
Removing herniated disc material that is compressing a nerve root, often through a minimally invasive approach.
Laminectomy
Removing part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Replacing a damaged disc with a prosthetic device that preserves motion at the treated level.
Foraminotomy
Enlarging the neural foramen (the opening where nerve roots exit the spine) to relieve nerve compression.
Ready to Find Relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burton to discuss your condition and explore your treatment options.