Neurosurgeon Vs. Spine Surgeon: Which Specialist Do I Need Near Me?
December 29, 2025
When back pain or neck pain becomes unbearable, one of the first questions patients ask is: Should I see a neurosurgeon near me or a spine surgeon near me? This confusion is completely understandable. Both specialists treat spinal conditions, both perform spine surgery, and you’ll find both when searching for spine care in Los Angeles. However, understanding the key differences can help you make the right choice for your specific condition and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
This guide will clarify the distinctions between neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, explain when you need each type of specialist, and help Los Angeles residents make informed decisions about their spinal health care.
A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system—including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons complete:
When it comes to spine care, neurosurgeons have deep expertise in the neurological aspects of spinal conditions—understanding how issues affect the spinal cord, nerve roots, and overall nervous system function.
The term spine surgeon is broader and can refer to either:
Both can perform many of the same procedures, but their training backgrounds give them different perspectives and strengths.
Neurosurgeons receive extensive training in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the treatment of nervous system disorders. This deep understanding is particularly valuable when:
Performing procedures requiring work inside the dura (the protective covering of the spinal cord)
Orthopedic spine surgeons have extensive training in bone and joint mechanics, which can be particularly valuable for:
For Los Angeles residents, choosing a neurosurgeon is often the better choice when your condition involves:
For many common spinal conditions, both a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and an orthopedic spine surgeon may be equally qualified:
In these cases, the surgeon’s specific experience, approach to minimally invasive techniques, surgical volume, and outcomes matter more than their training background.
Whether you’re considering a neurosurgeon in the area or a spine surgeon near you in Los Angeles, ask these critical questions:
Are you fellowship-trained in spine surgery?
Fellowship training indicates specialized expertise beyond residency.
How many procedures like mine do you perform each year?
Volume matters. Look for surgeons who regularly perform your specific procedure.
Do you specialize in minimally invasive techniques?
This can significantly impact your recovery experience.
What is your complication rate for this procedure?
Experienced surgeons should be transparent about outcomes.
Do you have experience with my specific condition?
Especially important for complex conditions like spinal tumors.
Increasingly, both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are pursuing fellowship training specifically in spine surgery. This additional year or two of focused training is often more important than whether they started in neurosurgery or orthopedics.
Look for surgeons who:
While expertise is paramount, don’t overlook practical considerations. For Los Angeles residents dealing with chronic pain or recovering from surgery, having a qualified specialist near you can make a significant difference. Consider:
Dr. Macyszyn represents the subspecialized approach to spine care that produces the best outcomes. As a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in spinal deformity surgery, he offers:
This combination makes him uniquely qualified to handle everything from common degenerative conditions to complex cases that other surgeons may decline.
Still unsure whether you need a neurosurgeon near me or if another type of spine specialist is right for you? The best approach is to schedule a consultation. During your visit, you can:
Dr. Macyszyn’s offices in Marina Del Rey and Encino serve patients throughout Los Angeles, from West LA and Santa Monica to the San Fernando Valley. Whether you need evaluation for a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, or a more complex condition like a spinal tumor, a consultation can provide the clarity and direction you need.
Schedule your consultation today to determine the best treatment path for your spinal condition. Don’t let confusion about specialists delay your care—get expert evaluation and personalized recommendations from a neurosurgeon who combines academic excellence with accessible, patient-focused care.
