The Spine & Back Blog

Common Reasons to See a Neurosurgeon: Expert Care with Dr. William Hunter, MD

Common Reasons to See a Neurosurgeon When people hear the word "neurosurgeon," they often think of complex brain surgeries or emergency trauma procedures. While these high-stakes treatments are a vital part of neurosurgery, the reality is that neurosurgeons are also experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system — many of which are far more common than you might expect.

At the Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, Dr. William Hunter, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over a 30 years of experience, is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with neurological and spine-related concerns. His advanced expertise, combined with compassionate care, ensures that patients receive the most effective and minimally invasive treatment options available.

Knowing when to seek a neurosurgeon’s care can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms, improving your mobility, and enhancing your overall well-being. Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to see a neurosurgeon:

1. Chronic Back or Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet many individuals struggle for years without lasting relief. When pain becomes persistent or starts to limit your mobility, it may indicate a deeper issue requiring specialized care.

Common spine-related conditions that may require a neurosurgeon’s evaluation include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs: When spinal discs become compressed or rupture, they can irritate nearby nerves, causing sharp pain, numbness, or weakness.
Spinal Stenosis: Spinal Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Symptoms often include pain, tingling, or weakness that worsens with walking or standing.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes to the spine can cause discs to lose flexibility and cushioning, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Sciatica or Pinched Nerves: Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause severe pain that radiates down the back of the leg.

If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections fail to provide relief, Dr. Hunter can assess your condition and determine if minimally invasive surgery or advanced treatments are appropriate.

2. Sciatica and Nerve Pain

Sciatica is a distinct type of nerve pain that often originates in the lower spine and travels down one leg. It can cause:

Sharp, shooting pain
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Muscle weakness
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

While mild cases may respond to rest and physical therapy, persistent or worsening sciatica may indicate a herniated disc, bone spur, or nerve compression that requires surgical intervention.

Dr. Hunter specializes in identifying the root cause of nerve pain and developing customized treatment plans that may include minimally invasive decompression procedures or other innovative techniques.

3. Brain and Spinal Tumors

Although the word "tumor" can be alarming, not all tumors are cancerous. However, both benign and malignant tumors in the brain or spine can impact essential functions such as balance, coordination, and cognition.

Common symptoms that may suggest a tumor include:

Persistent headaches (especially in the morning)
Seizures or sudden neurological changes
Vision disturbances
Difficulty speaking or understanding language
Weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination

Dr. Hunter is highly experienced in performing delicate procedures that remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue and minimizing post-operative complications. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes, making prompt evaluation essential.

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve,the primary nerve in the wrist, becomes compressed, resulting in:

Numbness or tingling in the fingers
Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
Pain that radiates from the wrist to the arm

Mild cases can often be managed with splinting, medication, or lifestyle adjustments. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, Dr. Hunter may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery, a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore normal hand function.

5. Traumatic Brain or Spinal Cord Injuries

Accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries can cause severe trauma to the brain or spine. Common injuries that require neurosurgical intervention include:

Skull fractures
Brain hemorrhages or bleeding
Spinal fractures or instability
Nerve damage leading to paralysis

In these urgent cases, Dr. Hunter provides specialized care to stabilize injuries, minimize damage, and promote optimal recovery.

Want to Talk To An Expert?

Contact the team at the NSSC Spine Clinic in Gastonia, NC. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

Spine Fusion and Joint Care with Bone Marrow & Platelet Rich Plasma Webinar

October 29th - 5:30-6:30PM (CST)

Learn More / Register Now

During the webinar, Dr. Hunter will share his insights, practical tips, and strategies for how Bone Marrow & Platelet Rich Plasma can be utilized in Spine Fusion and Join Care procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about minimally invasive procedures, bone marrow & PRP utilization, and the latest advancements in spinal & joint treatments.

Warlick Family YMCA

The Trick or Trail Run supports the Warlick Family YMCA, a non-profit organization committed to helping members of our community live a balanced, healthy life in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA makes a positive impact in the Gaston County community by encouraging wellness and family on their beautiful 118-acre campus.

EVENT DETAILS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
5K and 1-mile Fun Run on the Sytz Trail
at the Warlick Family YMCA

7:00am Warm Up Your Morning (Coffee/Hot Chocolate)
8:00am 5K Race begins
9:00am Fun Run begins
9:45 After Party, Awards, Fall Festival

What does the 5K Trail Look Like?
Both the 5K race and 1 Mile Fun Run courses are on the Sytz Trail System at the Warlick Family YMCA.
View a map of the Sytz Trail System.

Can I dress up in costume?
Please do! It makes the race even more fun! Plus, the after-race party will include prizes for best costume and performance. Dogs included!

Register Now

Visit the Warlick Family YMCA Trick or Trail Run website to register now.

Warlick Family YMCA Trick or Trail 5k Trail Run and 1 Mile Fun Run - NSSC Spine Clinic

Minimally Invasive Spine Video

NEXT VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

When surgery is required for treating spine problems, we now have an array of surgery options. The Spine Clinic at Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas is a neurosurgical practice with emphasis on minimally invasive spine surgeries. Doctor William Hunter is a board certified neurosurgeon and is here to tell us more. So, Doctor Hunter, what are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery over the conventional methods?

Minimally invasive spine techniques are very helpful to patients. As surgeons we are able to disrupt less tissue. In other words, we make the incisions smaller. We spread the muscle and not strip the muscle like we were taught in the past; therefore, the region heals better. Overall, these techniques allow for less pain post-operatively. There’s less blood loss during the surgery. The operations typically are faster, and therefore there’s less anestesia for the patient. If the surgery requires them to be in the hospital, the hospital stay is less, and the recuperation time is easier. Patients can get back to their normal activities faster.

And tell us what kinds of problems can be treated with minimally invasive techniques?

Well, that is the beauty of this: all parts of the spine are available. We can treat the cervical (the neck area), the thoracic, the chest area, and the lumber (the lower back area). Therefore, we can treat herniated or ruptured disks, which is a cause of sciatica. Another condition called stenosis, which is the narrowing of the canal. The signals can’t get through, and the patient has to stop, sit down, and rest before they can move again - sort of like the nerves are in a traffic jam area. We can also treat defects of the spine, like when one bone has slipped forward on top of another bone. Prior surgeries can also be treated this way. We can even treat complicated spinal reconstruction. I think it is important for patients to be aware of the planned procedure they have discussed with their surgeon. Make sure their surgeon is comfortable with these techniques (not all surgeons are), but the strongest advice is to make sure you have confidence with your spine surgeon.

Dr. Hunter, thank you. To learn more, you can visit neurosciencecarolinas.com.