Choosing someone to operate on your spine is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel nervous about it. These are the questions patients ask us most, answered in plain language. Dr. Betsy Grunch is a board-certified, Duke-trained neurosurgeon who sees adult patients at Southern Neurosurgery offices in Gainesville, Sandy Springs and Riverdale.
Look for a surgeon who is board-certified, does spine surgery every week, and explains all of your options, including ones that don’t involve surgery. Ask how many times they have done your exact procedure and whether they offer minimally invasive or motion-preserving choices. Reviews from real patients help too. A good surgeon takes time to answer your questions and never rushes you into a decision.
Both can operate on the spine. Neurosurgeons train for seven years after medical school on the brain, spinal cord and nerves, so they focus on problems that press on nerves, like herniated discs, pinched nerves and spinal stenosis. What matters most is choosing a board-certified surgeon with a lot of spine experience.
Yes. Dr. Betsy Grunch is a board-certified neurosurgeon who grew up in Gainesville and has cared for patients in Hall County and North Georgia since 2013. Southern Neurosurgery has an office in Gainesville, plus offices in Sandy Springs and Riverdale for patients across metro Atlanta.
Dr. Grunch trained in neurosurgery at Duke University and has performed more than 5,000 procedures, with 400 to 600 surgeries each year. She is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and a Fellow of the AANS, ACS and CNS. Southern Neurosurgery has a 4.7-star Google rating from more than 60 patient reviews. Her care is personal: she was 14 when her mother suffered a spinal cord injury.
Dr. Grunch specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, which uses small incisions and causes less damage to muscle. She also does artificial disc replacement in the neck and lower back, which can keep the spine moving instead of fusing it. Millions of people know her online as Ladyspinedoc, where she explains brain and spine problems in plain language. Every patient leaves with a clear plan.
Not always right away. Many people start with physical therapy, medicine or injections, and Dr. Grunch will talk with you about what makes sense for you. If symptoms keep going, get worse, or cause weakness or numbness, surgery can often correct the problem. Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control or new leg weakness is an emergency, so call 911.
Yes. Dr. Grunch often sees patients who were told they need surgery and want another opinion. She also sees patients who had surgery somewhere else and still have pain. Bring your MRI or CT scans and reports, and she will explain your options clearly, including revision surgery if it’s needed.
Call 470-293-9800 to schedule at our Gainesville, Sandy Springs or Riverdale office. Our team can tell you whether your insurance needs a referral. Dr. Grunch treats adults 18 and older. For general questions any time, use our “Ask Us Anything” chat.
If you have neck pain, back pain or a pinched nerve and want answers, call 470-293-9800 or contact us to schedule a visit with Dr. Grunch or one of her physician assistants. You can also ask general questions any time through our “Ask Us Anything” chat.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized care from a licensed physician. Please talk to your provider about your symptoms.
