Neurosurgeon versus Orthopaedic Surgeon

I have a herniated disc at L5 - S1 and have alomost decided that surgery is inevitable.  I have rounds of steroids, other inflammatories, injections, PT, Chiropractor, pain pills, bed rest, etc.  I am 33 yrs old and obviously nervous about having a surgery that doesn't work or leaves me in a worst position then before.  I have met with to very good Orthopaedic surgeons so far and they semm confident they can help me (after telling me of all the bad stuff that can happen).  The second doctor told me that my herniation was not 100% normal as it is pushed in a funky direciton making it hard to get at with all of the nerve roots.  My questions is this, who is better qualified, all things equal such as talent, education to perform this type of surgery?  A Neurosurgeon or Orthapaedic surgeon?  Both perform diskectomies but given the complexion of nerver roots wouldn't a neurologist be the way to go?      

[alinpain]

I work at an orthopedics surgeons office. When my husband first had problems with his back and neck he went to a neuro surgeon. I found most of the info I needed regarding the doctor through one of the doctors in the practice I work for who is a orthopedic surgeon for backs. The secretary called the neuro surgeons office and asked questions for me and she was able to give me a book to understand what was happening to my husband. So in short, if you need to have back surgery and it involves any nerves, an orthopedic surgeon would call upon the opinion or even assistance of a neuro surgeon due to the nerves being involved. So I would suggest to you to ask your orthopedic doctor if he will be having a neurosurgeon assist him due to the nerve conditions. Because a orthopedic doctor specializes in bones and the neuro doctor specializes in nerves. I dont know if this is helpful to you at all, but I can only hope it sends you in the right direction.Good luck. And just remember never be afraid to ask as many questions as you can think of. That is what they get paid for.

[alinpain]

I should add that this is the wife of alinpain.