Are you in pain? Neurosurgery might be the answer for you

When you hear the term “neurosurgery,” you might think about a doctor operating on your brain, or conditions such as tumors, aneurysms or stroke.

While those are a part of it, one of the chief parts of neurosurgery is reducing and managing chronic pain.

“Pain is a big problem in the community,” said Gentian Toshkezi, M.D., F.A.A.N.S, F.C.N.S, who is part of Meritus Neurosurgery with Chikezie Eseonu, M.D., F.A.A.N.S. “The treatment of pain and improving the patient’s quality of life is one of our main tasks.”

Meritus opened its specialty practice, Meritus Neurosurgery, in 2023 to serve a growing community need. The health system wanted to provide the specialty surgical services needed so community members don't have to travel out of the area for the care they need.

Formally, neurosurgery is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to resolving complex issues in the brain and spine. But that can also include everything from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome to pain or numbness in the hands and feet.

Such conditions can be treated by neurosurgeons, either with surgery or other methods, Dr. Toshkezi said.

For example, you might get treated for spinal-related pain in your lower back by a physical therapist, but the pain is not going away. A referring physician could send you to the neurosurgeon for treatment.

“When degenerative spine disease progresses, it can cause compression of the spinal cord, and that requires decompression,” he said.

Sometimes pain is caused by trauma such as a vehicle crash. Other times it can be from repetition such as sitting at a desk and using a keyboard. Sometimes the pain can be caused by genetics.

Whatever the condition, Dr. Toshkezi said neurosurgeons come up with an approach and strategy to treat the pain and improve quality of life.

The first step is to talk to your primary care physician, who would perform certain tests, Dr. Toshkezi said.

“If they are positive, we are here,” he said. “Not every headache or back pain requires neurosurgical intervention. But don’t ignore it.”

For those seeking a consultation with the Meritus Neurosurgery team, a referral is necessary. To learn more about the extensive range of neurosurgery services offered, visit the official website at MeritusHealth.com/Neurosurgery.