If you are searching for a neurosurgeon in Greenville, SC, you may be surprised to learn that nearly all spine surgeries are also performed by highly specialized orthopedic spine surgeons.

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So what’s the difference — and who is right for you?

The answer may be simpler than you think....

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Both Specialties Are Highly Qualified to Perform Spine Surgery

Both orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons are fully trained physicians who perform complex spinal procedures.

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Neurosurgeons

Train in brain and nervous system surgery

Complete residency in neurological surgery

Often perform brain, spine, and peripheral nerve procedures

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Orthopedic Spine Surgeons

Train in musculoskeletal surgery

Complete orthopedic residency which includes spine surgery

Complete additional fellowship training focused exclusively on neurological and orthopedic spine surgery 

At the end of training, both can safely and effectively perform spine surgery.

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What Matters Most: Fellowship Training & Experience

For most patients with:

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Scoliosis

• Cervical or lumbar instability

• Myelopathy

The most important factor is specialized spine fellowship training and surgical volume — not whether the original residency was orthopedic or neurosurgical.

Many modern spine surgeons focus 100% of their practice on spinal conditions.

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Why Many Patients Search for “Neurosurgeon”

Historically, spine surgery was associated with neurosurgery because of its relationship to the spinal cord.

Today, however:  The majority of routine spine surgeries nationwide are performed by fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons. 

Training pathways now overlap significantly in spine surgery. 

Patients often search “neurosurgeon” out of familiarity — not because outcomes differ.

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What Should You Look for in a Spine Surgeon?

Instead of focusing solely on specialty title, consider:

✔ Board certification

✔ Fellowship training in spine surgery

✔ Years of focused spine experience

✔ Volume of procedures performed annually

✔ Comfort with complex and revision cases

✔ Patient outcomes and reviews

These factors are far more predictive of success.

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Spine Surgery Expertise in Greenville, SC

At Piedmont Orthopedic Spine, our surgeons specialize exclusively in spinal disorders and perform advanced procedures including:

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Cervical and lumbar fusion

Artificial disc replacement

Complex revision surgery

Deformity correction

Our goal is not just surgery — it’s restoring mobility, relieving pain, and improving long-term function.

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Do You Need a Neurosurgeon or an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?

If your condition involves:

Brain tumors

Intracranial bleeding

Spinal cord tumors

A neurosurgeon may be appropriate.

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If your condition involves:

Stenosis

Disc herniation

Radiculopathy 

Spinal instability or spondylolisthesis

Deformity

A fellowship-trained spine specialist — orthopedic or neurosurgical — is typically the right choice.

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Schedule a Consultation

If you’re searching for:

“Best spine surgeon in Greenville”

“Neurosurgeon for back surgery”

“Back surgeon near me”

We’re happy to help you understand your options.

Call (864) 234-7654 or request a consultation online today with one of our providers below: