Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon: What’s the Difference — and Why It Matters

Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon: What’s the Difference — and Why It Matters

Featuring Dr. Shelby Burks

If you’ve been told you may need spine surgery, one of the first confusing things you’ll notice is this: Some surgeons are neurosurgeons. Others are orthopedic spine surgeons. Patients often ask, “Which one is better?” The honest answer is… it depends on what’s wrong with your spine and who is doing the surgery. At Dr. Shelby Burks’ practice, this question comes up almost daily — especially for patients dealing with neck pain, back pain, nerve compression, or spinal instability. Understanding the difference helps you feel more confident about who you’re trusting with something as important as your spine.

What a Neurosurgeon Is Trained to Do

Neurosurgeons specialize in the nervous system. That includes:

• The brain
• The spinal cord
• The nerves that branch off the spine

When it comes to spine care, neurosurgeons focus heavily on:

• Nerve compression
• Spinal cord involvement
• Disc herniations affecting nerve function
• Conditions causing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination

Dr. Shelby Burks is a neurosurgeon, which means his training emphasizes protecting and decompressing nerves — often in very delicate, high-risk areas like the cervical (neck) spine. For patients with symptoms like radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or balance issues, that nervous-system focus matters.

What an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Is Trained to Do

Orthopedic spine surgeons come from an orthopedic background, which focuses on the musculoskeletal system:

• Bones
• Joints
• Alignment
• Structural stability

They often treat:

• Spinal deformities
• Degenerative disc disease
• Structural instability
• Trauma-related spinal injuries

Many orthopedic spine surgeons are excellent — especially in cases where alignment, fusion, or skeletal reconstruction is the primary issue.

Where the Lines Overlap (And Why This Confuses Patients)

Here’s the part patients don’t always hear clearly: Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons can perform many of the same procedures. Both can do:

• Disc surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Decompression procedures
• Minimally invasive spine surgery

So if both can do the surgery… what actually makes the difference? Experience. Focus. And decision-making.

Why Dr. Shelby Burks’ Background Matters

Dr. Burks’ neurosurgical training gives him a deep understanding of how spinal problems affect nerve function, not just structure. That matters in cases where:

• Pain is nerve-driven, not just mechanical
• The spinal cord is involved
• There’s risk of neurological injury
• Precision around nerves is critical

Patients often come to Dr. Burks after months — sometimes years — of being told their imaging “doesn’t look that bad,” while their symptoms continue to worsen. That disconnect between imaging and symptoms is where neurosurgical judgment becomes especially important. Which Type of Surgeon Is “Better”? This is where patients sometimes expect a simple answer. There isn’t one. A better question is: Which surgeon is best for your specific problem — and how experienced are they with it? Dr. Burks doesn’t approach spine surgery from a “one-size-fits-all” mindset. Some cases are primarily structural. Others are primarily neurological. Many are a mix of both. His role is to sort that out — not just operate.

What Patients Often Miss When Choosing a Spine Surgeon

Patients often focus on:

• Titles
• Marketing
• Technology

But the most important factors tend to be:

• How thoroughly the surgeon evaluates your symptoms
• Whether imaging is explained clearly
• If surgical and non-surgical options are discussed honestly
• Whether risks are addressed upfront

Patients frequently say they feel more at ease once they understand why surgery is or isn’t recommended — not just that it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a neurosurgeon and orthopedic spine surgeon perform the same surgery?

Yes, in many cases. The difference lies in training background, experience, and approach.

Does neurosurgery mean brain surgery only?

No. Neurosurgeons commonly perform spine surgery, especially when nerves or the spinal cord are involved.

Is one safer than the other?

Safety depends more on surgeon experience, case selection, and technique than on the specialty title alone.

Should I see both before deciding?

In some complex cases, getting multiple opinions can be helpful. What matters most is clarity and confidence in the plan.

Does Dr. Burks perform minimally invasive spine surgery?

Yes. When appropriate, she uses minimally invasive and advanced techniques based on the patient’s condition.

Contact Dr. Shelby Burks

If you’re dealing with neck pain, back pain, nerve symptoms, or have been told you may need spine surgery, a consultation can help clarify your options. During your visit with Dr. Burks, you can expect:

• A thorough review of your symptoms and imaging
• Clear explanation of what’s causing your pain
• Honest discussion of surgical and non-surgical options
• A plan that prioritizes safety and long-term outcomes

📍 Location: 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136

📞 Phone: 305-243-6946

🌐 Website: https://burksneurospine.com

Choosing a spine surgeon isn’t about titles alone.

It’s about trust, experience, and understanding what your spine actually needs.