A hemorrhagic stroke is typically the most deadly and debilitating form of stroke, occurring in nearly two million people every year. Historically, it’s been treated by allowing the brain to bleed until hemorrhaging has subsided, leaving few recovery options for patients. About half of the individuals who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke die within 30 days.

But that could be changing—all thanks to a leading-edge stroke treatment that’s giving patients new hope.

After several years of the ENRICH (Early MiNimally-invasive Removal of ICH) trial, neurosurgeons were able to show positive results with improved outcomes for hemorrhagic stroke patients, and the results were shared at the 2023 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) annual meeting. The results were presented by representatives from Emory University and the NICO Corporation. Four current Goodman Campbell physicians, led by Dr. Charles G. Kulwin, participated in the trial. It involved 300 stroke patients at 37 treatment centers across the United States.

During the trial, the BrainPath device—a tool used to help surgeons get to the site of bleeding—carefully moved through the delicate folds and fibers of the brain. The BrainPath gently shifts the tissue to create a path to the site of the bleeding. Once there, the Myriad device, an automated suction and resection tool, can remove clotting.

These results were part of a stroke treatment trial in which surgeons hoped to improve the standard of care for hemorrhagic strokes beyond just waiting out the bleed.

“Goodman Campbell was one of the earliest sites and one of the largest contributors to the study,” said Dr. Kulwin. “Our hope is that this will finally take a difficult problem … and provide solid evidence that there is a correct way to manage it surgically.”

“Only a quarter of survivors get back to independence in the months following the stroke. A safe and effective way of operating on a hemorrhage by minimally invasive means has the potential to change the way we give care and save lives.”

We are proud to be part of this historical moment in stroke treatment, and we look forward to using this method to help save and improve the lives of our patients. We also look forward to continuing to find new, innovative ways to advance the field of neurosurgery. You can read more about the clinical trial here.

Goodman Campbell started way back in 1972, with the incorporation of the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group established by Drs. Julius Goodman and John Russell.

Since then, we’ve pioneered new techniques in Indiana, such as the first microscopic discectomy, the first intracranial tumor embolization, and the first endoscopic placement of a VP shunt.

We’ve transformed ourselves by adding new disciplines—like interventional stroke care, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, interventional pain management, physical therapy, research, and education. We’ve steadily grown both our practice and our reputation, and we’ve never once looked back.   

That is, until now.

This year, Goodman Campbell is turning 50 years old. Reaching that milestone has made us pause and reflect on our first half-century—and we could use your help documenting it.

If you’ve got photos, we’d love to see them. If you’ve got cards or notes, we’ll be glad to read them. If you have recordings, we’d be thrilled to hear them. If you’ve got videos, we can’t wait to watch them. Basically, if you’ve got anything at all that will help us expand our historical archives, we’ll be grateful for your assistance.

Visit our 50^th Anniversary page now to submit your digitized photos or videos—or just to type in a favorite memory.

Don’t have access to a scanner? We’re still interested in what you have to share. Give us a call at 317.396.1300, and we’ll do what we can to make your Goodman Campbell memories last forever.

Until last August, Kelli McLaughlin of Carmel was living her life like normal. She was raising her four children with her husband, Ryan, volunteering for different causes, and managing two locations of her boutique shop, Clothes With a Cause, which donates proceeds to different charities throughout the year. 

That month, Kelli started noticing odd, neurological symptoms and sensations in her body. She took a trip to the ER in early September and doctors didn’t find anything then. She returned later that month with her husband on their anniversary, because the sensations she was experiencing were very strong and interfering with normal tasks. 

The sensations would be diagnosed as focal seizures, so brain scans were taken and they revealed Kelli had a tumor. Goodman Campbell neurosurgeon Dr. Troy Payner was assigned to Kelli’s case, and after close examination and tests, he delivered the news that she had glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer with no known cure. Ironically, Dr. Payner treated her father for several meningiomas 16 years ago.

“It took me about a month to wrap my head around my new situation. I was in complete disbelief because there were no warning signs whatsoever,” said Kelli. “But Dr. Payner and I instantly hit it off—I liked him when I met him years ago, and I like him now! My entire care team has been wonderful; they are great advocates and have helped me navigate every aspect of this process.”

Glioblastoma, a cancerous and incurable brain tumor, occurs in 3 out of 100,000 United States citizens annually. The median age of those diagnosed is 64.

Goodman Campbell treats roughly 50 cases each year. Symptoms and their severity vary with each person, but in general they include: headaches, seizures, nausea/vomiting, difficulty with speech, blurry vision, weakness on one side, confusion, or lethargy—more on signs, symptoms, and treatments here.

“Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor to occur in the brain and it’s unfortunately cancerous. Despite tremendous research being done, we don’t have a cure. The goal of all treatments is to control the tumor as long as possible,” said Dr. Payner. 

After the initial removal of the tumor, Kelli elected to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and wears an FDA-approved cap that helps slow tumor cells from replicating. Dr. Payner describes her as “an extremely ambitious woman who has an unflappable positive mental attitude.” Kathy Butz, a nurse on her care team, says that Kelli is very involved in her health care decisions, is open about her disease, and has a service-oriented heart.

“I don’t want to quit, I want to live. I’m committed to tackling this head-on, because I don’t see any other options,” Kelli said. “I feel like my purpose here is to make this place better than I found it, and help the next family that experiences something like this.”

All of that shows in Kelli’s drive to help her community, despite her diagnosis and side effects from treatments. Along with her support network of friends and family, she recently organized the first “Kegs ‘N Eggs 5K” fundraising event. In addition to raising awareness for this disease, they successfully collected over $50,000 to help connect families going through a similar situation to available resources and treatments.

“I am so thankful for the great turnout and beautiful weather we had for the First Annual Kelli’s Kegs N Eggs 5K! Glioblastoma research is one of the most under-funded of all cancers, and it is my goal to change this,” said Kelli. “We want to raise awareness of this horrible disease and raise funds to ensure that other families do not have to suffer this terrible blow as we had to. It can be done and I firmly believe that there is a cure on the horizon.”

Jay and his family live in Indianapolis in a house that’s been in the family for several generations. Though his kids have grown, Jay looks back on a life in which sports and physical activity—whether on his own, with friends or with his wife and kids—have played a huge role.

Being active has been important not only physically and socially for Jay, but also mentally. When he’s not able get out and move regularly, it takes an emotional toll. “I need to be active, or I’m no fun to be around,” he said.

Because he’s been so active, he’s had his share of injuries; After battling back trouble on and off for years, Jay had gone six years with no significant problems when suddenly, while sitting on the sofa with his dog Agnes, his right leg went numb, became weak and wouldn’t wake back up.

He sought help from Dr. Mobasser at Goodman Campbell. “Dr. Mobasser sent me for an MRI and X-rays of my back to assess my spine,” Jay said. “It was a wreck. He said I needed to have this surgery, as I was developing nerve damage in my right leg. Dr. Mobasser made it clear that my condition was irreversible without surgery and would continue to get progressively worse. I was facing the rest of my life with a brace on my foot.”

Dr. Mobasser fused five vertebrae and freed up all the nerves being compressed at each of these levels. Having had some experience with knee surgeries, Jay was expecting a tough recovery, and Dr. Mobasser himself warned Jay that the recovery process from a multi-level lumbar spine surgery could be extremely difficult for the first few post-operative months.

His experience, however, was anything but difficult. “I feel incredibly lucky,” Jay said. “I never really had any pain. I sat right up and walked to a chair; I was walking the halls that same afternoon.”

He was in the hospital for less than two days. “The follow-up was great,” Jay said, “though it turned out I didn’t need it. They called once a week, just to make sure I was doing okay, and the next time I saw Dr. Mobasser was at my one-month checkup.”

“I’m back to living a normal life,” Jay said. “I’m biking, I’m walking, I’m playing with the dog. But you know, beyond that, it’s all the little things. Sleeping through the night. Getting dressed without having to contort myself. Even now, more than a year later, I’ll find myself doing something that used to be painful or difficult or impossible before the surgery, and it’s just such a relief to have that part of my life back. I credit Dr. Mobasser and Goodman Campbell with making that happen.”

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, together with the Neurosurgery Foundation, is hosting it’s 11th annual Brain Bolt 5K this year.

The Brain Bolt 5K is an in-person run/walk, which will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Gazebo Civic Square in Carmel. Once again we will host a traditional 5K course and l mile survivor course to raise awareness for those affected by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Participants will enjoy food/drink trucks, hear from our featured patient, recognize all survivors, explore the MegaBrain, and more. The event has grown each year, not only in the number of participants, but in the generous contributions of sponsors like you.

All proceeds of the Brain Bolt 5K will support the efforts of the Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell, a 50l(c)(3) dedicated to all aspects of neurological care. The Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell, as part of its mission, supports medical education and the advancement of the science of neurosurgery and neuro-intervention. These include pilot research projects in traumatic brain and spine injury, a follow-up clinic for after-injury care and supporting our neurotrauma databases, among others.

This year we hope to have more attendees and participants than ever and we cannot do this without you! We offer several sponsorship categories listed below, please review and feel free to contact us if you have any questions about sponsoring the Brain Bolt 5K.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and continued support.

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is excited to welcome Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich, a functional neurosurgeon whose passion for medicine, innovation, and patient care makes him a fantastic addition to our team. Dr. Hoeprich brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to neurosurgery.

From a young age, Dr. Hoeprich knew he wanted to become a physician. What inspired him most wasn’t just the science—it was the way communities trusted and respected their doctors.

He recalls hearing how physicians were admired not only for their medical knowledge, but also for being compassionate, dependable, and consistently available to help others.

“Physicians often hold a trusted role within their communities, and that sense of responsibility and service strongly influenced my decision.”

That early inspiration set the foundation for a career built around both excellence in medicine and meaningful patient relationships.

Dr. Hoeprich entered medical school already drawn to neurosurgery. To him, the field represents the very pinnacle of modern medicine.

Neurosurgery requires exceptional technical skill, precision, and mastery of delicate microsurgical techniques—paired with a deep understanding of human physiology.

“It is a field defined by continual innovation, where advanced surgical tools and technologies intersect directly with human physiology.”

During his training, he discovered a particular passion for functional neurosurgery, a subspecialty focused on treating neurological disorders through highly targeted, minimally invasive interventions. These procedures can significantly improve patients’ quality of life—often restoring function and independence.

Joining Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine was not a decision Dr. Hoeprich made lightly.

“I was very happy in my previous practice and did not anticipate making a change. However, the opportunity to join Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine was particularly compelling.”

What drew him to the organization was its longstanding reputation for clinical excellence and its collaborative, team-based approach to patient care.

“The organization’s long-standing reputation for clinical excellence, its collaborative culture, and its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care closely aligned with my own professional values and practice philosophy.”

For Dr. Hoeprich, it was a natural fit—and we’re thrilled to have him on board.

When discussing the future of neurosurgery, Dr. Hoeprich lights up with excitement about the possibilities ahead.

“The future of neurosurgery will be shaped by continued advances in research, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.”

As computing power expands—particularly with advances in artificial intelligence and emerging quantum computing—our ability to analyze complex neural data and better understand brain function will grow dramatically.

These breakthroughs could lead to more precise, personalized, and minimally invasive treatments for neurological conditions. Dr. Hoeprich is especially excited about the potential of neuromodulation and brain–computer interface technologies, which could transform how we interact with and treat the nervous system.

“As these technologies mature, they will allow us to treat neurological disease more effectively while preserving function and improving quality of life.”

He also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful integration of innovation, research, and health policy to ensure these advances translate into safe, accessible, and meaningful care for patients.

When he’s not in the operating room, Dr. Hoeprich enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. Whether he’s golfing, fly fishing, or participating in sporting clays, these activities allow him to relax, connect with nature, and share memorable experiences with friends and loved ones.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich to Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine and look forward to the expertise, innovation, and compassionate care he brings to our patients and community.

We would like to share an important update regarding the future clinic location and contact information for your care.

Beginning April 13, 2026, all appointments with Sherry Hash, NP will take place at a new location:

Functional Neurosurgery Clinic at Ascension St. Vincent

Address: 8402 Harcourt Road, Suite 815, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-338-9660

At this location, Sherry Hash, NP joins Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich, a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in functional neurosurgery, to provide coordinated, patient-centered care.

Patients with upcoming appointments will be contacted directly by the Ascension St. Vincent team to assist with rescheduling as needed. Please know that this transition will not disrupt your medical care, and we remain committed to providing the same high-quality care at our new location.

Parking and Arrival Information

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Functional Neurosurgery Clinic at Ascension St. Vincent at 317-338-9660. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing your care at our new location.

As an Interventional Neuroradiologist, Daniel H. Sahlein, MD, treats a number of complex brain and spine conditions, a job that requires careful hands, a sharp mind, and stamina, so we tapped his brain to learn how he stays on top of his own health.

It turns out that his habits are applicable to just about anyone in any line of work. 

Maintaining a high level of physical and mental stamina is critical when Dr. Sahlein is performing a lengthy vascular procedure, and his workouts support this endurance. 

“I try to stay really active, which is also good for your brain and mood,” he says. His workout of choice is rock climbing, so much so that he built a climbing gym in his home.  “It’s great training for the work that I do.” Climbing requires muscle and mental power as you puzzle through a route. Plus, the height can introduce natural stressors that climbers overcome as they ascend. 

Other workouts that hone both mental and physical endurance include dancing, martial arts, yoga, or racket sports. 

While no team member is rushing to trade lunches with Dr. Sahlein,  his simple high-nutrient, high-fat foods are slow-burning fuel that give him exactly what he needs to stay clear headed and energetic. 

During a full day of surgeries, he might take in up to two cups of unsalted almonds in addition to protein-rich yogurt, and fresh fruit. To sneak in some greens, he snacks on crunchy, iodine-rich seaweed. This approach to food, he says, doesn’t slow him down like a typical fried or carb-heavy lunch would. 

Dr. Sahlein’s healthy habits include several centered around focus. During procedures, music helps him relax and focus on the task at hand. While the Beastie Boys and orchestral music are favorites, he lets others choose the soundtrack. 

It’s easy to get lost in your smartphone, so Dr. Sahlein makes an effort to get off the screen and focus on loved ones when he can. Quality time makes a difference. In fact, studies show that spending quality time with others increases life expectancy and happiness. 

At night, Dr. Sahlein rounds out his healthy habits by focusing on a good book to lull him to sleep. His current read is “The End of the World is Just the Beginning” by Peter Zeihan.  

The plan was to build a U-shaped wall in front of his daughter’s house to shore up the yard and create space for new flower beds before summer’s end. Jim Harless had hauled and stacked most of the stones and dirt necessary to complete the 55-foot-long project when he leaned over to pick up one more block when they struck — ”electrical charges” radiated down both his legs. 

“I was trying to move six tons in a week and a half without really resting. I just overdid it,” Harless said. In his retirement from serving as pastor at Tri-County Christian Church in Middletown and as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, he had more time to spend on home improvements, but he suspected this one had triggered a herniated disc.

When the pain didn’t subside after several weeks, he made an appointment with his family doctor, Gary Wright, MD, at Ascension St. Vincent in Pendleton, Indiana. During the exam, Dr. Wright determined that Harless needed to see a spine specialist. 

“He said, ‘You’re going to go to Goodman Campbell because I only send my patients to the best,’” Harless recalled. The drive time from Anderson to Carmel was a small price to pay to see the best. 

Prior to his appointment at Goodman Campbell, Harless was asked to get an MRI of his lumbar spine. Diagnostic images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are valuable if not critical in correctly diagnosing patients and putting them on the most direct path to healing. 

Harless met Shannon McCanna, MD, and Emma Schulte, his physician assistant, on September 3, 2025. Dr. McCanna reviewed Harless’ MRI with him, showing him the severe stenosis of his lumbar spine — between both the L2-L3 and L3-L4 discs — which was consistent with the symptoms he reported to his primary care physician. 

“Within ten minutes of meeting Dr. McCanna, I felt like I was talking with a friend,” Harless said. He told them about his back and leg pain, leg numbness, and mild gait instability, all of which suggested a surgical lumbar decompression might be the best route to alleviate the pain. But luckily, Dr. McCanna and Schulte dug deeper and asked more questions. 

The exam progressed in an unsurprising manner until Harless mentioned a few unusual symptoms and they tested for the Hoffman sign, an involuntary flexion movement of the thumb and/or index finger when the examiner flicks the fingernail of the middle finger down. Harless had a mild Hoffmann’s sign, which can sometimes indicate cervical spinal cord compression. If that were the case, a lumbar decompression could be dangerous.

“Because of the nuanced complaints that he had as well as exam findings, we were able to understand that a more comprehensive work-up was necessary with MRI of the cervical spine,” Dr. McCanna said. 

Harless had actually gotten a cervical MRI in 2024, which he requested to be sent to Goodman Campbell. After Dr. McCanna reviewed the scan, Schulte called Harless with the results. The MRI revealed undetected severe spinal cord compression involving the C4-C5 and C5-C6 discs near the neck. 

“His case highlights the importance of really listening to the patient and hearing what he’s saying about his symptoms,” Dr. McCanna said. “It was very easy to assume that this man had back issues based on his complaints of back pain.”

But if the cervical stenosis had not been discovered, and the lumbar decompression surgery had been pursued, Harless would have been at risk of spinal cord injury and even paralysis. 

“If a patient is lying prone for a lumbar surgery, and there’s unknown spinal cord compression, they can suffer spinal cord injury, which can contribute to weakness in the upper or lower extremities, or issues with their balance, gait, or hand coordination,” Schulte said.

“Even if the lumbar surgery would have been safely performed, and he made it through surgery without worsening from a cervical standpoint, a delayed diagnosis of cervical spinal cord compression can lead to irreversible disability,” Dr. McCanna added. 

Dr. McCanna saw Harless back in the office on September 15 and explained the risks of a lumbar procedure for his case and why he was recommending an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion instead. 

“When he said neck surgery, that was a little nerve-wracking, but I was in so much pain by then I didn’t care. When you’ve been in ministry as long as I have, you find peace in the midst of all that,” Harless said. 

Ten days later, Harless went in for an 8 a.m. surgery. During the procedure, the discs and ligaments between the two pairs of affected vertebrae were removed, allowing the spinal cord/nerve roots to decompress. A cage with bone was then placed in the newly empty disc spaces. When bone touches bone, they eventually grow together. This process can take 6-12 months, so to hold things in good alignment, a plate-and-screw system was placed across the vertebral cages. 

“In this particular patient’s case, he has two cages and a plate spanning C4-C6 with two screws at each of the vertebral bodies. For this anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, there were two goals: First, get the pressure off the spinal cord/nerve roots, and second, get the bones to fuse,” Schulte said. 

Post-surgery, Harless was back home in Anderson by 4 p.m. During his follow-up appointment four weeks later, he reported resolved arm pain, improved gait instability, and no more back pain, leg pain, or numbness. As a result, Dr. McCanna saw no need for lumbar surgery. It was a welcome relief for Harless.

“He was concerned about my welfare as a human, not just his patient,” Harless said of Dr. McCanna. “My experience from start to finish with Goodman Campbell was top notch. From the ladies at the front desk, to the X-ray tech, to nurses in the hospital, everyone was so kind, helpful, and welcoming. I could not have asked for a better experience.”

“Cases like Jim’s are extremely rewarding to be a part of — solving an interesting problem for a very kind and gracious member of our community. I feel blessed and very fortunate to be a part of the team at Goodman Campbell,” Dr. McCanna said.

Four months later, Harless had been released to pursue any activities he felt comfortable with. That included volunteering, serving as a church elder, and enjoying his three grandchildren. While a few of his friends completed the project at his daughter’s house, he has home improvements of his own he’ll be tackling this year, but he won’t overdo it this time.

“I want to level out a patio and hire a couple of young pups to help,” he said. 

To see any of our world-class subspecialists in brain, spine, or nervous system care, request an appointment today.

Sciatica can feel overwhelming. With it, you might experience sharp leg pain, numbness, weakness, or burning sensations that can interrupt daily life. Many patients wonder early on: How effective are nonsurgical treatments for sciatica, and can meaningful relief really happen without an operation? The reassuring truth is that most people with sciatica improve through conservative treatment, especially in the first several weeks. In fact, many patients begin noticing improvement in just a few weeks with conservative care.

For adults exploring whether nonsurgical options can be effective, evidence shows that physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections often provide significant relief before surgery is ever needed. And when patients ask how effective nonsurgical treatments for sciatica really are, the data consistently shows that the majority recover without surgery. This is especially true when their care is guided by spine specialists who understand both back pain treatment strategies and nerve-related symptoms.

In most cases, yes. Sciatica is typically caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve roots, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or inflammation in surrounding tissues. Whether someone is experiencing acute back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, or sciatica symptoms linked to the piriformis muscle, the body often improves as inflammation settles.

Clinical practice guidelines support starting with conservative treatment, because most patients recover gradually with the right plan and attentive follow-up. Our spine specialists at Goodman Campbell focus on conditions of the spine with personalized treatment that promotes healing. They can ultimately help relieve spine-related nerve pain, and contribute to reducing leg pain intensity and patterns when they are linked to the spine and interfere with daily life. Priority is also paid to restoring mobility while monitoring for any signs of additional severe pain, progressive weakness, or red-flag symptoms.

Physical therapy is one of the most effective first-line treatments for lumbar radiculopathy and spine-related leg pain. Targeted exercises reduce pressure on the nerve root, improve core stability, and promote healing in cases of a herniated lumbar disc (also known as lumbar disc herniation).

Therapists use stretching, strengthening, and mobility work to decrease pain intensity and improve function. Many patients with sciatica begin experiencing meaningful improvement within weeks of consistent physical therapy, especially when paired with home exercises.

For patients whose nerve pain limits daily activities, epidural steroid injections and other steroid injections can reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve root. These injections can offer weeks to months of relief, making them an effective tool for both acute sciatica and chronic sciatica.

At Goodman Campbell, our interventional pain management physicians perform epidural steroid injections, selective nerve blocks, and other targeted procedures that help reduce swelling, decrease leg pain, and restore function. These approaches are supported by randomized controlled trial data demonstrating reduced leg pain and improved quality of life for many patients.

The answer depends on each patient’s symptoms, imaging results, and response to conservative care. For most people, the most successful treatment begins with:

This integrated approach often provides sufficient sciatica relief to avoid or delay surgical intervention.

Even patients with longer-lasting symptoms can benefit from structured, evidence-based nonsurgical treatment. Although chronic sciatica may take more time, many patients still experience substantial improvements in pain intensity, function, and daily activity levels.

Our team carefully evaluates each patient for any signs of adverse events, worsening leg pain, or progressive neurological symptoms. When conservative options are maximized without enough relief, our neurosurgeons may recommend surgery.

It’s not an either-or decision. At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgeons and interventional pain management specialists work collaboratively. Surgery is reserved for cases where nerve compression remains significant or symptoms fail to improve despite appropriate conservative treatment.

When surgery becomes the best option, we may consider a microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve root. Many patients experience rapid improvement in leg pain afterward.

Research consistently shows that a large majority of patients improve with nonsurgical care. Conservative treatment often provides relief sufficient to delay or avoid surgery altogether, even for those with a herniated disc causing notable nerve pain.

Many patients begin improving within 4–6 weeks, and recovery often continues over several months. Staying consistent with physical therapy, medication management, and interventional care gives the sciatic nerve the best chance to heal.

Goodman Campbell is one of North America’s largest and most progressive neurosurgical practices, with subspecialized expertise and multiple locations across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, and Avon.

Our model is unique: interventional pain management physicians and neurosurgeons work side-by-side, ensuring every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation and that all reasonable conservative options are exhausted before considering surgery.

If you’re experiencing persistent leg pain, back pain, or sciatica symptoms, you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. Call us or schedule an appointment to talk with our spine care team. We’re here to help you find the relief you deserve.

When you’re experiencing worrying brain or spine symptoms, knowing which specialist is the right one to see can feel overwhelming. Should you see a neurologist? A neurosurgeon? And what’s the difference between the two, anyway?

The distinction matters more than you might think. While both specialists focus on the brain and nervous system, they approach diagnosis and treatment in fundamentally different ways. Understanding these differences will help you navigate the referral process more confidently and connect with the right care at the right time.

Neurology and neurosurgery are two distinct medical specialties that focus on different aspects of brain and spine care. Neurologists diagnose and manage neurological conditions through medical management, while neurosurgeons specialize in surgical and nonsurgical treatments for structural issues affecting the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.

Both specialists attend medical school and complete extensive training, but their paths diverge significantly after that. Neurologists focus on understanding how diseases affect the nervous system, using diagnostic tests and medical therapy to treat conditions. Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, focus on structural problems that may require surgical intervention or advanced evaluation.

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves through medical management rather than surgery. They use tools such as neurological examinations, nerve conduction studies, and imaging to identify conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to migraines and multiple sclerosis.

Neurologists help patients manage chronic conditions through close monitoring, medication, and lifestyle modifications. They excel at diagnosing complex neurological conditions that affect how your brain communicates with the rest of your body.

A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in treating structural problems of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves through both surgical treatment and conservative care. 

After medical school, neurosurgeons complete seven years of residency training, one of the longest training programs in medicine. This compares to the four-year residency required for neurologists, giving neurosurgeons surgical expertise in treating conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Neurosurgeons treat various structural issues, including (but not limited to) herniated discs, spinal stenosis, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The key difference is focus. While neurologists address disease processes affecting nervous system function, neurosurgeons address structural problems that compress, injure, or damage the brain and spinal cord itself.

Deciding between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon depends on whether your symptoms suggest a disease affecting nervous system function or a structural problem requiring surgical evaluation. Your primary care provider makes this determination based on your symptoms, medical history, and initial diagnostic testing.

The referral pathway follows a logical progression. Most patients experiencing neurological symptoms first see their primary care doctor, who may order initial imaging. If tests suggest a disease process like multiple sclerosis or seizures, you’ll be referred to a neurologist. If imaging reveals a structural issue such as a herniated disc or tumor, your doctor will refer you to a neurosurgeon.

When to see a neurologist depends on whether you are experiencing symptoms that suggest a disease affecting how your nervous system functions. Chronic headaches, migraines, seizures, memory problems, tremors, and progressive weakness indicate conditions that neurologists manage through medical therapy rather than surgery.

Neurologists excel at treating neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. In some cases, surgery benefits outweigh medical management. Procedures such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and tremor can also be addressed by a neurosurgeon.

You would typically see a neurosurgeon if you receive a referral from your primary care provider or neurologist after imaging reveals a structural problem. While neurosurgeons always treat brain-related issues such as brain tumors, they also see patients with spine issues such as herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis, or spinal cord compression.

Neurosurgeons don’t only treat surgical cases. Many patients receive conservative treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medication management, and monitoring. The evaluation itself is valuable because neurosurgeons can determine whether your structural problem requires surgical intervention or if other approaches might resolve your symptoms. At Goodman Campbell, the most effective, least invasive approaches are always considered before surgery. 

Back pain requires a neurosurgeon rather than a neurologist when imaging reveals structural problems like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal cord compression. Approximately 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with disc-related conditions affecting a small part of that population annually.

Neurologists don’t manage back pain because it stems from structural spine issues rather than neurological diseases.

Your primary care provider will order imaging, such as an MRI, if your back pain is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If imaging shows structural abnormalities, you’ll be referred to a spine specialist, typically a neurosurgeon.

Neurologists and neurosurgeons collaborate closely when patients have conditions involving both neurological disease and structural problems. For example, a patient with multiple sclerosis might develop spinal stenosis unrelated to their MS. Their neurologist manages the MS, while a neurosurgeon provides a treatment plan for the stenosis and evaluates whether it requires surgery. Depending on the condition, patients may be referred to a neurologist first and then a neurosurgeon, or vice versa.

It is particularly important to note the collaboration for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and tremor. A neurologist and neurosurgeon work closely together, as surgical options may be considered.

Despite the name, neurosurgeons definitely don’t only perform surgery. Many patients referred to neurosurgeons receive conservative treatment recommendations instead of surgical intervention. Modern neurosurgeons view surgery as one tool among many, not the default approach.

Neurosurgeons diagnose conditions through detailed imaging review and then determine the most appropriate treatment path. This might include physical therapy, injections, or monitoring. Surgery becomes the recommendation only when conservative approaches have failed or when the structural problem poses an immediate risk.

At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgery team evaluates both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for structural brain and spine conditions. As a global leader in brain and spine care at the center of clinical research and neurosurgery training in the United States, we provide access to some of the most accomplished neurosurgeons in the world, right here in Indiana.

If you’re dealing with a confirmed structural brain or spine condition, learn more about how we can help. 

If you’re suddenly dealing with sharp, shooting sciatica pain, it’s natural to wonder, Will sciatica go away without treatment? For many adults, especially those experiencing symptoms of sciatica for the first time, this question comes with concern: How long will the pain last? Will waiting make things worse? Is sciatica surgery inevitable?

The short answer is that sciatica can improve on its own, often within a few weeks. But whether it will depends on what’s causing sciatica in the first place. Understanding your symptoms and knowing when to seek sciatica treatment can help you find relief sooner and avoid long-term nerve damage.

Sciatica occurs when the nerve roots of the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, become compressed or irritated. Common causes include a herniated disc, bone spurs, prolonged sitting, piriformis syndrome, or too much pressure on the spinal nerves from poor posture or weakened hip flexors. When compression is mild and temporary, many people find relief naturally within a few weeks. In many situations, however, these underlying issues develop gradually over time.

Sciatica that’s left untreated for too long or caused by a more serious underlying condition can progress into chronic, harder-to-treat pain, especially when increased risk factors are present. Without appropriate evaluation, symptoms may slowly and progressively intensify. Severe symptoms, chronic pain, symptoms that affect only one leg for long periods, or pain that spreads into the lower leg are signs that you should not rely on time alone to heal.

Certain additional risk factors and activities can also increase the likelihood that sciatica will persist or worsen. These include heavy lifting, obesity, long periods of inactivity, prior back injuries, or jobs that require prolonged sitting. If these or other factors are present, relying solely on time may not be enough to effectively treat sciatica.

Most acute cases improve with gentle physical activity, good posture, and avoiding too much rest. But if symptoms of sciatica persist beyond a few weeks or repeatedly flare during everyday movement, it may be shifting from acute to chronic. Other symptoms such as muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain down only one leg may also indicate a more chronic issue. To read more about how long does sciatica last and how to speed up healing, read our blog.

Acute sciatica often improves with conservative care.

Chronic sciatica lasts longer, returns frequently, or progresses despite home care. Chronic cases often stem from herniated discs, bone spurs, or other spinal column changes that require a treatment plan tailored to your medical history and lifestyle.

Light aerobic exercise, stretching the hip flexors, keeping your feet flat when sitting, and maintaining good posture can help. Other treatments recommended by a spine specialist may also relieve sciatic nerve pain. Just be cautious: Too much rest or long periods of inactivity can worsen inflammation and delay healing.

Alternating is best. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the lower spine, but standing for too long can irritate affected leg muscles. Changing positions frequently, moving gently, and adjusting posture can help you feel pain less intensely throughout the day.

While Goodman Campbell is ready to help anytime, you should seek treatment if you experience:

A specialist may perform a straight leg raise test to evaluate sciatic nerve irritation. Imaging may follow if an underlying condition is suspected.

Your plan may include a combination of physical activity, physical therapy, targeted injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and other treatments tailored to your symptoms. For severe cases, surgical procedures such as microdiscectomy can relieve pressure caused by herniated discs.

At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgeons complete a rigorous seven-year residency, giving them unmatched expertise in treating conditions of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Neurosurgeons also receive more specialized spine training than any other type of specialist, allowing us to treat both simple and complex cases, from herniated discs to more advanced spine conditions. This includes performing microdiscectomy procedures for patients whose symptoms stem from significant disc herniation or nerve compression.

Our team includes neurosurgeons and interventional pain management physicians who collaborate to deliver comprehensive care. At Goodman Campbell, our patients have direct access to one of North America’s largest, most progressive neurosurgical practices, widely recognized as a global leader in brain and spine care.

We offer efficient scheduling, data-driven treatment plans, and extensive outcomes data that demonstrate our longstanding effectiveness in helping patients find relief from sciatica and other spine issues. Request an appointment to get started.

When sciatica pain strikes, the discomfort in your affected leg can disrupt your entire day. You might have heard conflicting advice about whether to reach for an ice pack or a heating pad for relief. The truth is that both heat therapy and cold therapy have their place in managing sciatic nerve pain, but timing matters. Understanding when to use each approach can make the difference between finding pain relief and making your pain worse.

Up to 40% of Americans experience sciatica at some point in their lives, and most cases are resolved with conservative sciatica treatment approaches. While at-home therapies can provide comfort for many people, persistent or severe pain signals that your sciatic nerve roots may be compressed by an underlying spinal condition requiring neurosurgical evaluation rather than symptom management alone.

Your sciatic nerve becomes irritated when spinal structures compress or pinch the nerve roots in your lower back. This compression can trigger inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms, contributing to the sharp, burning sensation traveling down your leg.

Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the inflamed area. This decrease in circulation limits swelling, slows nerve conduction to numb the painful area, and helps reduce inflammation. Cold essentially calms down the inflammatory response your body launches when nerve roots become irritated.

Heat therapy takes a different approach by dilating blood vessels and increasing circulation. This brings oxygen and nutrients to tense muscles, relaxes muscles that have gone into spasm, and improves tissue flexibility. Heat doesn’t directly address inflammation, which is why timing matters.

Apply cold therapy during the first 48-72 hours when sciatica pain starts or during acute flare-ups of chronic sciatic pain. This initial inflammatory phase causes the most intense swelling and discomfort. Starting with ice during this window prevents unnecessary inflammation from developing.

You’ll recognize acute symptoms by sharp, intense pain that has just begun or suddenly worsened. The pain may feel like an electric shock down your leg, accompanied by significant muscle tension in your lower back.

Cold therapy provides pain relief through several mechanisms working simultaneously. It decreases the speed at which pain signals travel through your nervous system, creating a numbing effect. By constricting blood vessels, ice prevents excessive fluid leakage into surrounding tissues, which otherwise causes swelling that can further compress your sciatic nerve.

Ice also reduces muscle spasms by cooling muscle fibers, interrupting the pain-spasm cycle. When inflammation decreases, pressure on the nerve root lessens, providing relief while you’re determining whether professional medical intervention is needed.

Ice packs, frozen gel packs, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel work effectively. Always place a protective barrier between the cold source and your skin to prevent frostbite. Apply cold to your lower back and rear pelvis where the sciatic nerve roots originate, not down your leg where you feel the pain.

Use cold for 15–20 minutes at a time, allowing at least 2 hours between applications. For wider areas of discomfort, ice massage can be effective. Freeze water in a paper cup, tear away the top half, and massage the exposed ice directly on your lower back in circular motions for 3–6 minutes until numbness occurs.

Heat therapy becomes beneficial after the initial 72-hour inflammatory period has passed. Heat works best for addressing the residual muscle tension and stiffness that persist after acute inflammation resolves. If you’re experiencing chronic sciatic pain with ongoing tightness rather than sharp, new pain, heat can help prepare your muscles for gentle stretching.

Heat increases circulation, bringing fresh blood flow with oxygen and nutrients to tight muscles in your lower back. This improved circulation helps flush out metabolic waste products that accumulate in tense tissue. Heat also activates sensory receptors that can override some pain signals, providing comfort without addressing the underlying nerve root compression.

By relaxing muscles that have tensed around your sciatic nerve compression, heat therapy can indirectly reduce some pressure on nerve structures. However, this relief remains temporary if the root cause involves structural issues like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Heating pads, hot water bottles, warm towels, or adhesive heat wraps all deliver effective warmth. Moist heat from warm baths or steamed towels penetrate deeper into tissues than dry heat, making it particularly effective for widespread back pain and sciatic pain.

Apply heat for 15–20 minutes at a time, 2–3 times daily. The heat source should feel comfortably warm, not hot. Low-level heat wraps can be worn under clothing for continuous gentle warmth throughout the day.

Cold therapy proves more effective for treating sciatica during acute phases because it directly addresses the inflammation compressing your sciatic nerve. Heat can actually increase swelling if used too early, potentially making your sciatica worse by creating more pressure on already compressed nerve structures.

The evidence supports starting with ice and progressing to heat as your condition evolves. However, while both modalities offer temporary comfort, neither addresses underlying spinal conditions causing nerve pain. A professional evaluation is the best way to identify whether structural problems exist related to your sciatic pain.

Contrast therapy, alternating between heat and cold, can be effective once the initial inflammatory period has passed. This approach creates a pumping action that may help flush out swelling while delivering fresh nutrients to the area. Try 20 minutes of heat followed by 20 minutes of cold, always ending with cold to reduce inflammation.

Some patients find this alternating approach provides superior sciatica relief compared to using either therapy alone.

Home therapies offer temporary symptom management, but certain signs indicate your sciatica requires neurosurgical evaluation. Goodman Campbell welcomes patients at any point in their experience with sciatica, whether your symptoms are relatively new or have been a persistent issue. If you experience muscle weakness in your leg or foot, or if numbness progresses rather than improves, we recommend you schedule an appointment.

Severe pain that worsens over time, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or pain that significantly disrupts your sleep and daily activities all signal potential serious lumbosacral nerve root or sciatic nerve compression, requiring immediate professional attention. These symptoms suggest structural problems such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other conditions that conservative treatments cannot resolve.

At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgeons specialize in identifying and treating the root causes of sciatica, not just managing symptoms. We diagnose underlying spinal conditions causing nerve pain and develop comprehensive treatment plans that may include physical therapy, interventional procedures, or sciatica surgery when necessary. Our patients benefit from direct access to their care team and efficient scheduling for evaluation.

If you are an existing patient, call Goodman Campbell at (317)-396-1300 to schedule a consultation with our neurosurgical team. New patients can request an appointment online. We look forward to caring for you by evaluating your sciatic nerve pain and developing a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause, not just your symptoms.