1. What should I bring to my appointment?
A list of your medications, any X-Rays or films you might have, drivers lisence/photo ID, insurance cards and copay.

2. What is a neurosurgeon?
A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the treatment of injuries to, or disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body.

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3. What training do neurosurgeons have?
Neurosurgery is one of the longest training periods of all the medical specialties because of the extreme complexity of the nervous system and the advanced technique used in this specialty. Following college, training includes four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a five- to seven-year neurosurgical residency. Upon completion of the residency and two years in practice, the surgeon is eligible to take the American Board of Neurological Surgery examination.

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4. Why do I need to see a neurosurgeon?
If you experience pain, weakness, numbness in the head, neck, or spine, or have an injury, your primary care physician may refer you to a neurosurgeon for evaluation.

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5. What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat?
Some of the specific conditions or disorders include:

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6. Do I need a referral to be seen at your office?
We accept most major insurances. However, it is recommended that you check with your insurance company's member services regarding your coverage options and their list of participating providers. Patients with HMO insurance must comply with the insurance company's referral process. Some may require written authorization, which must be presented at the time of service. Co-payments are payable at the time of service.

Your primary care doctor, or another medical specialist involved with your care, will refer you to LNSA when it will benefit your specific illness or condition.

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7. What are some other treatment options instead of surgery?
Activity modification, exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, massage, medications, injection therapy and radiofrequency ablation.

8. What are causes of back pain?
There are many different causes to back pain. Sometimes back pain can occur for no apparent reason, but the two main reasons are either due to an injury, or just the fact that a weakness exist in that region.

Lack of muscle tone and excess weight, especially around your middle, commonly cause and aggravate back pain. Poor posture can add stress to the muscles and joints, causing fatigue and injury. Add to that the daily stresses and strains you put on your back, such as carrying out the trash, sitting in your car or truck for long periods of time, lifting something heavy and incorrectly or just applying the brakes in your car.
Even minor damage to any one component of your back's structure can upset the delicate balance and make movement painful. Your body will then try to protect this area by contracting the muscles surrounding the area. The contracted muscles not only causes the pain you experience, but they also slow down circulation to the area, which ultimately diminishes the necessary oxygen flow and prevents the body to heal itself.

Click here to view the common causes of back pain

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9. How can I prevent back pain?
Regular exercise is your most potent weapon against back problems. Activity can increase your aerobic capacity, improve your overall fitness, increase the muscle tone and help shed excess pounds that stress your back.

Stretching and toning your back and other supporting muscles can help reduce wear and tear on your back. It reduces your risk of injury by warming up muscles, and it also increases your long-term flexibility.

Strength training can make your arms, legs and lower body stronger. In turn, your risk for falls and other injuries decreases. Strong arms, legs, and especially abdominal muscles also help relieve back strain.

Always ask your doctor or physical therapist for advise before beginning an exercise program, especially if you've hurt your back before or you have other health problems, such as osteoporosis.

Click here to view 10 simple suggestions to help prevent back pain

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10. What are some of the disorders treated by neurosurgeons?

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