Neurosurgery
Introduction: Neurosurgery
When surgery is the best path to healing, you want to know you’re in the most skilled and caring hands. At One Tree Health, our Neurosurgery department delivers world-class surgical care for conditions of the brain, spine, and nervous system.
While neurosurgery may sound intimidating, our approach is patient-centered and personal. We combine surgical excellence with compassion, guiding you and your family through every step of the journey. Whether you’re dealing with a herniated disc that requires a minimally invasive spine procedure or facing a complex brain tumor, our neurosurgeons use advanced techniques and technology to achieve the best possible outcomes—with the least invasive approach necessary. We understand how overwhelming brain or spine surgery can feel. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, explaining your condition and treatment options in simple, easy-to-understand language. We want you to feel informed, confident, and cared for.
At One Tree Health, you’re not just a case—you’re a person. From your initial evaluation to post-surgical recovery, our team is committed to treating you with empathy, respect, and dedication.
Conditions We Treat
Our Neurosurgery team addresses a wide array of conditions affecting the nervous system, including:
Spinal Disc Problems
If you have a herniated disc in your neck or back causing pain, numbness, or weakness, we may recommend a microdiscectomy to relieve pressure on the nerves. We also treat degenerative disc disease and bone spurs that contribute to nerve compression.
Spinal Stenosis and Nerve Compression
Narrowing of he spinal canal (stenosis) in the neck or lower back can compress nerves, causing pain, tingling, or difficulty walking. Our neurosurgeons perform laminectomy to relieve this pressure by removing bone and thickened ligaments, often leading to significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Spinal Instability
Conditions like spondylolisthesis or severe degeneration can make the spine unstable, leading to pain and nerve risk. When needed, we perform spinal fusion—joining vertebrae with screws and rods to restore stability. Fusion is often combined with decompression to relieve pressure and prevent abnormal movement.
Brain and Spinal Tumors
We treat both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors. Using advanced microsurgical techniques and neuronavigation (GPS-like guidance), our neurosurgeons safely remove tumors while aiming to preserve neurological function. If you’re experiencing symptoms like unexplained headaches, seizures, or neurological issues, our team is ready to help.
Traumatic Injuries
In the event of head injuries (e.g. bleeding in the brain) or
spine fractures compressing the spinal cord, neurosurgery can be life-saving. We
perform craniotomies (surgical opening of the skull) to evacuate hematomas
(blood clots) or relieve brain pressure, and stabilize spinal fractures when
needed. Our clinic is an outpatient setting, but our neurosurgeons have hospital
privileges to handle emergencies and coordinate acute care if trauma occurs.
Hydrocephalus
A condition where fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles. We manage hydrocephalus by placing shunts or performing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) to divert fluid and relieve pressure.
Peripheral Nerve Entrapments
Though often handled by neurosurgery or orthopedics, certain nerve compression syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression at the elbow can be surgically relieved by freeing the nerve (neurolysis). Our surgeons can perform peripheral nerve surgeries
when conservative measures fail.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
This is a facial pain condition that can be extremely severe. For patients not relieved by medication, our neurosurgeon can perform a microvascular decompression or targeted radiofrequency lesioning to relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain by addressing the nerve causing it.
If you have a neurological condition that needs evaluation, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll carefully assess whether surgery is truly necessary or if non-surgical treatments may be appropriate first. Our approach is always to choose the least invasive, most effective option surgery is only recommended when it’s clearly the best path for your health.
Neurosurgery Procedures and Services
Our neurosurgeons are proficient in the latest surgical procedures.
Here are some of the key services we provide, along with what they involve:
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Microdiscectomy (Discectomy)
A minimally invasive spine surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve. The surgeon makes a small incision (often less than 1 inch) and uses specialized instruments and a microscope to extract the disc fragment. This often provides immediate relief of leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain caused by a pinched nerve. It’s typically done on an outpatient basis or with a one-night hospital stay. You’ll likely go home the same day with just a small bandage on your back.
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Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression)
For spinal stenosis, we often perform a laminectomy, which removes the back part of the vertebra (the lamina) and thickened ligament to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. In the lower back, this can relieve leg pain and improve walking. In the neck, it can help prevent nerve damage.
A foraminotomy (widening nerve exit holes) may be done at the same time. Depending on your health and the number of levels treated, the surgery can be minimally invasive or require a slightly larger incision. Most patients stay overnight and are up walking the next day.
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Spinal Fusion
When spinal stability is a concern or in severe degenerative disc disease, fusion may be recommended. In an instrumented spinal fusion, screws and rods are used to lock two or more vertebrae together, often with bone grafts or spacers to help the bones fuse solidly.
Common examples include lumbar fusion for spondylolisthesis or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical disc issues. These surgeries can be done minimally invasively (through small incisions with tubular retractors) or as open procedures, depending on complexity.
Fusion offers long-term stability but usually involves more recovery than decompression alone—typically a few days in the hospital and several weeks of limited activity while healing occurs.
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Craniotomy and Brain Surgery
A craniotomy involves temporarily removing a section of the skull to access the brain. This procedure is done for various reasons, such as removing tumors, clipping aneurysms, treating brain bleeds, or relieving pressure after injury.
Our neurosurgeons use advanced monitoring and navigation tools to ensure safety. After the procedure, the bone is secured back in place, and patients typically stay a few days in the hospital. We’ll coordinate any needed therapy—speech, movement, or otherwise—based on the area of the brain affected.
You’ll be fully supported every step of the way.
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Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Whenever possible, we choose less invasive methods—using smaller incisions, endoscopes, tubular retractors, and tools like lasers or ultrasonic aspirators. This often means less pain and a quicker recovery for you.
Examples include endoscopic pituitary tumor removal through the nose and minimally invasive lumbar decompressions or fusions. Our surgeons stay current with the latest techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
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Stereotactic and Image-Guided Surgery
“Stereotactic” techniques use computer-guided navigation—like GPS for the brain—to precisely target areas for biopsy or surgery. This approach is especially helpful for small or deep brain tumors and improves accuracy. Combined with real-time imaging, it enhances both the safety and effectiveness of procedures.
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Collaboration with Pain and Rehab
Your care doesn’t end after surgery. We work closely with pain management specialists to control discomfort while minimizing opioid use, and with physical therapists to guide safe, effective recovery—especially after spine surgery.
For brain surgery patients, we coordinate with occupational and speech therapists as needed for cognitive or speech rehab. Our team-based approach supports a smoother, safer recovery.
Every procedure is performed with the utmost care for your comfort. We explain the process beforehand so you know what to expect. Most treatments are done with local anesthesia, and mild sedation can be used if needed. Your comfort and questions are always our priority throughout your care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Neurosurgery
Surgery is generally reserved for when non-surgical treatments haven’t
worked or when a condition is urgent/critical. Before recommending surgery, we
ensure you’ve been evaluated for conservative options like medications, physical
therapy, injections (for spine issues), etc., unless the situation (like a tumor or
severe compression) clearly needs surgery first. We will discuss all options with
you. If there’s a viable non-surgical route, we often try that first in collaboration
with our pain management and neurology teams. We only proceed to surgery if
it’s truly the best or only way to help you.
All surgeries carry some risk, and neurosurgery can be complex. Risks
depend on the specific procedure but may include bleeding, infection, reactions
to anesthesia, or damage to surrounding structures (like nerves or brain tissue).
For example, spine surgery risks include a small chance of nerve injury or spinal
fluid leak; brain surgery risks could include stroke or weakness, depending on the
area. However, serious complications are uncommon, and our team takes every
precaution to minimize risks: meticulous technique, modern monitoring, and sterile protocols. We will review the possible risks and complications with you in
detail for your specific surgery. Keep in mind, not treating a serious condition can
also carry risks – we balance these considerations carefully.
Some discomfort is normal after any surgery, but we manage your pain proactively. In the hospital, you’ll have access to IV and oral pain medications as needed. For spine surgeries, we often use local anesthetics around the incision and may prescribe muscle relaxers if spasms occur.
Our goal is to keep you comfortable enough to move and begin rehab. Many patients notice immediate relief from their original nerve pain (such as sciatica) after a successful decompression surgery, which is encouraging. Incisional pain typically improves significantly over the first few days.
You’ll go home with appropriate pain medication—usually a short course of an oral opioid and a plan to transition to Tylenol or ibuprofen if appropriate. We also emphasize non-medication strategies like ice, rest, and gradual movement to help manage discomfort.
You will not be left to suffer—we’re here to adjust the plan if you’re hurting.
In most cases, yes—rehab is part of the recovery process. For spine surgeries, we usually start light walking right away, followed by physical therapy after a couple of weeks to rebuild strength and flexibility. Therapy is key to regaining muscle tone, posture, and confidence.
After brain surgery, if there are neurological issues, we’ll arrange physical, occupational, or speech therapy—often starting in the hospital and continuing as outpatient care. Even if you’re feeling well, a guided exercise program can speed recovery.
Our team works closely with rehab professionals to tailor the right plan for you.
This depends on the type of surgery and your personal recovery. For a straightforward lumbar microdiscectomy, some patients return to light desk work in 2–3 weeks and full activities in 6–8 weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for about 3 months. For a spinal fusion, returning to full activities may take 3–6 months because we need the bone to fuse; lighter duties might resume in 4–6 weeks.
After a craniotomy, many people take about 4–6 weeks off work (possibly more if their job is very demanding) to recover, and avoid strenuous activity for a similar period. We will guide you on your recovery timeline.
Generally, we advise no heavy lifting (over 10–15 lbs), strenuous exercise, or driving until cleared during follow-up. However, you will be encouraged to do light activities (such as walking and self-care) as tolerated shortly after surgery.
Everyone heals at their own pace – we’ll monitor your recovery and advise based on your progress. Our goal is to get you safely back to normal life, not to rush and risk setbacks.
Have more questions? Check out our Full FAQ page for answers about appointments,
treatments, recovery, and more.
Contact Us Today!
Facing neurosurgery can be stressful, but you’re not alone.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have concerns or are seeking a second opinion about a neurosurgical issue, we encourage you to consult with us. We combine advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Schedule a neurosurgery consultation today and take the next step toward relief and recovery. Your health – your ability to move, think, and enjoy life – is what we’re committed to restoring.
OneTreeHealth provides coordinated, compassionate care for patients recovering from injury specializing in orthopaedics, neurology, surgery, interventional pain management, and more. We simplify the recovery journey by managing care under one roof, so patients can focus on healing.
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