Spine surgery is rarely an emergency. If you have been told you need an operation, or told that nothing can be done, a second opinion gives you a clear, independent answer before you decide.
Medically reviewed by Adrian P. Jackson, MD, board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon · Updated November 2026
Appointments are scheduled through workers’ compensation referrals in Kansas and Missouri.
A second opinion is a fresh evaluation by another spine surgeon. It confirms the diagnosis, checks whether your symptoms match your imaging, and lays out the options, including the option of not operating.
Good surgeons welcome second opinions. Agreement gives you confidence. Disagreement gives you something important to weigh before a permanent decision.
Especially for back or neck pain without leg or arm symptoms, or for more than one or two levels.
You are unsure what is wrong, why surgery would help, or what the alternatives are.
Another surgeon may see an option, or may confirm the advice and help you stop searching.
Persistent or new symptoms after spine surgery deserve a careful, independent look.
Office notes, operative reports, and the actual MRI, CT and X-ray images, not only the written reports. Records can arrive in any order and our office will organize them.
The surgeon listens to your history, examines you and reviews the images with you.
You hear what the diagnosis is, whether your symptoms match your imaging, and which treatments make sense, including non-surgical ones.
You can return to your original surgeon, continue conservative care, or have treatment here. There is no obligation.
The answer should name a level and a structure, and match where you hurt.
For most conditions, waiting is safe. Weakness, spinal cord compression and bladder or bowel changes are the exceptions.
A decompression instead of a fusion, or a disc replacement instead of a fusion, may be an option.
Hospital stay, time off work, restrictions and the realistic chance of improvement.
Adjusters, nurse case managers and attorneys often request an independent opinion on diagnosis, causation, the need for surgery or readiness to return to work.
Dr. Jackson and Dr. Ciccarelli perform independent medical examinations and second opinions for Kansas and Missouri claims, with reports returned within 24 hours of the evaluation. When requested, the surgeon can assume the patient's care.
Workers' comp IMEs and impairment ratings · Submit a referral online
Who you will see
Board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon
Dr. Jackson has practiced spine surgery in the Kansas City area for more than 20 years. He treats both the neck and the low back, and he operates exclusively on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive techniques.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon
Dr. Ciccarelli specializes in the lumbar spine, including fusion for spondylolisthesis and other conditions where the spine needs to be stabilized.
A good surgeon will not be. Second opinions are routine before elective surgery, and most surgeons encourage them.
Your imaging on a disc or sent electronically (the images themselves, not only the reports), office notes, any operative reports, a list of treatments you have tried, and a list of your medications.
Usually not, if your MRI is recent and of good quality. A new study may be suggested if your symptoms have changed or the existing images are more than about a year old.
Ask each surgeon to explain the reasoning. Differences usually come down to how much weight is placed on symptoms versus imaging, or how much surgery is proposed. A clear explanation generally shows which plan fits you.
Second opinions are scheduled through workers' compensation claims in Kansas and Missouri. The adjuster, nurse case manager or attorney can send a referral online or call (913) 322-2700, and the appointment is scheduled within 24 hours.
This page is general education. It does not replace an examination, and it is not medical advice for your situation. If you have severe or sudden symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Premier Spine Care schedules appointments through workers’ compensation referrals in Kansas and Missouri. Case managers, adjusters and law offices can send a referral online, and the appointment is scheduled within 24 hours. If you were hurt at work, ask your adjuster or case manager about a referral.
Premier Spine Care · Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas · Serving the Kansas City metro in Kansas and Missouri