When Back Pain Means Something More: When to See a Neurosurgeon

Back pain affects nearly everyone at some point, but not all pain is the same. While muscle aches may fade after rest or stretching, pain caused by nerve compression, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs can worsen with time — and ignoring it can lead to permanent nerve damage.

At NeuSpine Institute, our board-certified neurosurgeons specialize in identifying when back pain needs advanced evaluation and surgical or non-surgical care. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to go beyond the chiropractor or pain clinic and see a spine expert.

1. When Pain Lasts Longer Than 6 Weeks

Persistent pain is a red flag. If conservative treatments (like rest, ice, or medication) haven’t helped within a month or two, it may indicate something structural — such as a disc pressing on a nerve or spinal instability.

2. When Pain Radiates Down Your Leg or Arm

Pain that shoots from your back into your legs or arms (sciatica or radiculopathy) often means a nerve is being compressed. Neurosurgeons are trained to identify the exact level of compression using MRI or other imaging, ensuring precise and lasting treatment.

3. When You Experience Numbness or Weakness

If you notice weakness in your grip, trouble walking, or numbness in your hands or feet, it could indicate nerve or spinal cord involvement. These symptoms should never be ignored — early intervention often prevents long-term nerve damage.

4. When You’ve Tried Other Treatments Without Relief

Physical therapy and pain management can be excellent first steps, but if injections, medication, or chiropractic adjustments haven’t worked, a neurosurgeon can evaluate whether surgical or minimally invasive solutions are appropriate.

5. When Pain Is Accompanied by Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

This is an emergency. Loss of bladder or bowel control may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a serious spinal condition that requires immediate neurosurgical attention to prevent permanent disability.

Why Choose NeuSpine Institute?

Our neurosurgeons — including Dr. Armen Deukmedjian, Dr. Amir Ahmadian and Dr. Saleh — have been voted among Tampa Bay’s Best Neurosurgeons multiple times by their peers. At NeuSpine, we combine advanced imaging, precision-guided surgical techniques, and compassionate care to get you back to life pain-free.

With locations in Wesley Chapel, South Tampa, Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Spring Hill, Odessa and Brandon, our team makes expert spine care accessible throughout the Tampa Bay area.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if my back pain is nerve-related or muscle-related?
Muscle pain usually feels sore and improves with movement or rest. Nerve pain often feels sharp, burning, or radiates down your limbs — it’s a sign to see a spine specialist.

Q2: What’s the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic spine surgeon?
Both treat spine issues, but neurosurgeons are uniquely trained to operate on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, offering an additional level of precision in cases involving nerve compression or spinal cord injury.

Q3: Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I’ll need surgery?
Not at all. Many NeuSpine patients improve with non-surgical options such as targeted therapy, nerve blocks, or image-guided procedures. Surgery is considered only when necessary.

Q4: How can I schedule a consultation with NeuSpine Institute?
You can request an appointment online or call our Wesley Chapel or South Tampa offices directly. Our team will review your history and imaging before recommending the best next step for your recovery.