When you hear the word neurosurgery, you might picture brain surgery or treatment for a serious neurological condition. In reality, neurosurgery also plays an important role in treating back and neck pain, herniated discs, compressed nerves, and other spine problems. If you have been dealing with persistent pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, understanding what Dallas neurosurgery involves can help you determine which type of physician may be right for your needs.
At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we know finding a specialist can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already managing uncomfortable symptoms and trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities. Dr. Chris Michael is a board-certified Dallas neurosurgeon who focuses on conservative treatment and, when appropriate, minimally invasive spine surgery. Our approach begins with understanding your symptoms, reviewing your treatment history, and identifying options that may help before considering surgery.
What Does Dallas Neurosurgery Actually Involve?
Neurosurgery focuses on conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Although many people associate the specialty primarily with brain procedures, neurosurgeons also diagnose and treat a range of spinal conditions that affect movement, sensation, and everyday comfort.
The spine protects the spinal cord and supports the body’s movement. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When a disc is damaged, the spinal canal narrows, or surrounding structures press on a nerve, symptoms can develop beyond the back or neck.
At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, Dr. Michael evaluates these problems to determine the cause of your symptoms and which treatment options are appropriate. Depending on the condition, care may involve physical therapy, medication, injections, activity modification, or surgery. Dallas neurosurgery doesn’t automatically mean surgery. For many patients, the first step is finding an effective non-surgical approach.
What Conditions Can A Dallas Neurosurgeon Treat?
Spine-related symptoms can have several underlying causes, and different conditions may produce similar discomfort. A careful evaluation helps distinguish between them and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Dr. Michael treats a range of cervical and lumbar spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and nerve compression.
A herniated disc develops when material inside a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer. When the displaced material irritates a nearby nerve, pain may travel from the lower back into the buttock or leg, or from the neck into the shoulder and arm.
Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include back or neck pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking for extended periods.
Degenerative disc disease involves changes to spinal discs over time. Some people experience little discomfort, while others develop persistent pain that affects movement and daily activities.
Nerve compression can cause tingling, changes in sensation, radiating pain, or weakness. Identifying the location and cause of the pressure is key to deciding whether conservative treatment or surgery may help.
At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we consider the symptoms alongside physical examination findings and imaging results. An image alone does not always explain a patient’s discomfort, so connecting the findings to the person’s experience is an important part of the evaluation.
When Should You Consider Dallas Neurosurgery?
Occasional back pain does not necessarily require an appointment with a neurosurgeon. Many episodes improve with time and appropriate conservative care. However, if symptoms persist or start interfering with your daily routine, a more detailed evaluation may be worthwhile.
Consider seeking medical guidance if back or neck pain continues despite treatment, radiating pain affects your arms or legs, numbness or tingling returns repeatedly, or discomfort makes it hard to sleep, work, walk, or enjoy activities you love.
Persistent symptoms do not automatically mean surgery is necessary. A Dallas neurosurgeon can help determine whether a structural problem may be contributing to the symptoms and whether additional treatment options should be considered.
Certain symptoms require more urgent attention. New loss of bowel or bladder control, sudden or progressive weakness, or numbness around the groin should prompt immediate evaluation at an emergency center rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Sudden neurological changes or significant symptoms following a serious injury also warrant urgent assessment.
Knowing where to turn can make an uncertain situation feel more manageable. For persistent, non-emergency spine concerns, Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery helps Dallas-area patients understand their symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
Why Dr. Chris Michael Starts With Conservative Treatment
One defining aspect of Dr. Michael’s approach is his commitment to exploring non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. Conservative care can help some patients manage symptoms, improve movement, and return to daily activities without surgery.
Depending on the diagnosis, a treatment plan may include physical therapy, medication management, steroid injections, core-strengthening exercises, or modifications to daily activities. The appropriate combination depends on the source of the symptoms, how long the condition has been present, and how the patient responds to treatment.
At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we believe patients should understand why we recommend a particular treatment and what alternatives remain. When conservative treatments provide sufficient relief, surgery may not be necessary. When symptoms persist despite appropriate care, Dr. Michael considers whether a procedure may offer meaningful benefits.
A conservative-first philosophy does not mean delaying necessary treatment. Rather, it means weighing the potential benefits and risks of each option before deciding how to proceed.
How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Fits Into Treatment
When surgery becomes appropriate, Dr. Michael uses minimally invasive techniques for many procedures. These approaches reach the affected area through smaller incisions while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissue.
The specific procedure depends on the condition being treated. A microdiscectomy may remove disc material that presses on a nerve. A microlaminectomy may create additional space around compressed nerves, while a microforaminotomy may enlarge the opening through which a spinal nerve exits. Selected patients may also be candidates for cervical artificial disc replacement or spinal fusion.
Compared with traditional open procedures, minimally invasive spine surgery may reduce tissue disruption and postoperative discomfort for some patients. It may also support an earlier return to light activities, depending on the procedure and individual circumstances. Recovery varies, and a minimally invasive approach isn’t right for every spinal condition.
Dr. Michael reviews the patient’s symptoms, imaging, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending surgery. At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we focus on identifying the approach that best fits the individual rather than choosing a procedure simply because it is available.
What To Expect When You Visit Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery
Seeking help for persistent spine pain can bring up questions about diagnosis, treatment, and the possibility of surgery. Our goal is to make the process clear and approachable from the beginning.
A visit typically includes a discussion of your symptoms, previous treatments, medical history, and the activities that have become difficult. Dr. Michael reviews relevant imaging and explains how the findings may relate to your symptoms. You can also discuss treatments you have already tried and whether additional conservative approaches make sense.
If surgery isn’t indicated, the next step may be continued non-surgical treatment and monitoring. If a procedure may be appropriate, Dr. Michael will explain the treatment options, potential risks, and expected recovery considerations so you can make an informed decision.
Preparing for your visit can help you get more from the discussion. Bring a list of current medications, previous imaging reports (if available), and notes on when symptoms began and what makes them better or worse. It’s also worth asking about activity restrictions, treatment alternatives, and recovery expectations.
Dr. Chris Michael’s Background And Recognition
Choosing a neurosurgeon involves more than understanding the procedures offered. Patients also deserve to know about their physician’s training, experience, and approach to care.
Dr. Chris Michael is board-certified in neurological surgery. He attended Duke University for his undergraduate education and completed medical school and neurosurgical residency training at Baylor College of Medicine. He has practiced in Dallas and at Baylor University Medical Center since 2001.
Dr. Michael has also received professional recognition, including being named a D Magazine Best Doctor for 2026. His previous recognitions include Castle Connolly Top Doctors and U.S. News’ America’s Top Doctors.
Those credentials are one part of the picture. At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we also place great importance on listening to patients, explaining treatment recommendations, and considering conservative options before recommending surgery. Patients should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding the reasoning behind their care.
Finding The Right Next Step With Dallas Neurosurgery
Back and neck pain can gradually change how you approach daily life, especially when symptoms continue despite your best efforts to manage them. Understanding what Dallas neurosurgery involves can help you recognize when a more focused evaluation may be useful and what to expect when exploring treatment.
At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, Dr. Chris Michael takes a patient-first approach to spine care, prioritizing conservative treatments when appropriate and considering minimally invasive procedures when surgery is indicated. The goal is to help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and which options could fit your individual needs.
If persistent back or neck pain, numbness, or other spine-related symptoms are affecting your daily activities, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Michael at Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery. Our team can help you explore your options, understand the next steps, and make informed decisions about your spine health.
Sources
Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery. “About Us.”
https://texasneurospinesurgery.com/about-us/
Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery. “Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.”
https://texasneurospinesurgery.com/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/
Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery. “Meet Dr. Chris Michael, M.D., Dallas Neurosurgeon.”
https://texasneurospinesurgery.com/meet-dr-chris-michael-m-d-dallas-neurosurgeon/
D Magazine. “2026 Best Doctors & Pediatric Specialists.”
https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2026/november/best-doctors-dallas-2026/
Mayo Clinic. “Back Surgery: When Is It a Good Idea?”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/back-surgery/art-20048274
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.”
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or other serious symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Individual results may vary, and not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery. Consult with Dr. Chris Michael or another qualified spine specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
