Now Open and Accepting Patients in Jersey City

Education

4 Tips For Finding a Spine Specialist

4 Tips for Finding a Spine Specialist

Humans make decisions every day. Research estimates the average person makes 35,000 decisions per day. Many of them are non-essential, such as deciding on lunch or what clothes to wear. Decisions get serious when your health is affected, which is why selecting a specialist for a spinal exam or operation is a huge deal. There are several steps to take that will ensure your future health is in reliable hands. 

 

1. Research the Doctor

 

Doctors are held in high regard by patients, and their word is always taken seriously. However, people fail to realize that doctors are indeed human themselves and are susceptible to mistakes. It’s essential to ask the specialist questions relating to your procedure or examination. Research if the doctor has worked with a similar case before, what was the outcome of those procedures, and what were the effects of the spinal operation. A health professional that has dealt with a similar scenario will have no objections in answering all questions about their experience relating to spinal surgery. 

Since the advancement of technology, there are advanced options for spinal surgery. The alternative is a minimally invasive spinal procedure that uses laser spine surgery, nerve stimulation, and stem cell therapy to ease the pain caused by spinal conditions. 

 

2. Verify the Doctor’s Qualifications

 

Following asking the professional direct questions, verify their qualifications. There are several cases of fraudulent doctors with fake qualifications, and that’s the last person you want standing over you with a scalpel in their hands. Usually, the surgeon will display their certificates and memberships to some spinal organizations. If not, then surely, you’d find their documents on their webpage probably under the ‘About’ section. 

 

3. Check the References

 

Surgeons won’t take issue with you requesting to speak with a patient. However, they will require the consent of the patient before you engage with them. Receiving a first-hand account of a spinal procedure and the after-care of the doctor is key to calming your fears before an operation. Apart from this route, the Internet is available with many testimonials of people who have used the services of a particular health professional. Furthermore, investigating the doctor’s social media profiles will provide insight into their personality.

Research on the Internet is an excellent method for reviewing the way the doctor interacts with patients and provides a true response to their work instead of possibly biased testimonials on their own websites. 

 

4. Ask for Help

 

Although it’s easier said than done, ask your friends and family for their experiences. Similar to the process of buying a car, you should mention your search to people close to you and find a solution from one of those people. While those with experience having spinal surgery is more rare than buying a car, it’s still possible someone else could have undergone the same procedure you are about to, and have advice and information that is priceless. Putting the question out on social media may also yield positive results with somebody in your circle having been through a familiar problem. 

Obtaining a second opinion for your spinal examination or procedure is never a bad idea; however, always trust your instincts. If you have a good feeling about a doctor, you’ve seen his qualifications and like his personal interaction, then trust yourself and the process.