Millions of people all around the world deal with back and spine-related ailments on a regular basis. It could be necessary to see a spine surgeon if non-invasive methods of pain relief and mobility enhancement, such as injections, medicine, or physical therapy, have failed. If you are wondering if you need spinal surgery, what options you have, and what to expect from the recovery process, this article will shed light on all of that.
Ongoing Aches and Pains Despite Lifestyle Changes
In most cases, patients will wait until alternative treatments have failed before deciding to consult a spine surgeon. If you have been experiencing persistent back pain, sciatica, or any other problems connected to your spine for at least a few months and have not found any meaningful relief with non-invasive methods like chiropractic care, physical therapy, or pain medication, it might be time to seek the advice of a spine specialist. By identifying the source of your discomfort, surgeons can advise you on the best course of action, which may include surgery.
Issues with the Nervous System
If you experience any of the following symptoms—loss of bladder or bowel control, tingling, weakness, or numbness in your limbs—it may be time to seek emergency surgical attention for a serious spinal problem. These signs and symptoms may indicate the need for immediate medical assistance due to nerve compression, spinal cord injury, or another serious condition.
Deformities of the Spine
Surgery may be necessary to rectify severely aberrant spinal alignments such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or severe spondylolisthesis. After determining the severity of the deformity, spine surgeons can advise patients on the best course of surgical treatment to restore normal spinal alignment and function.
The Most Popular Spine Procedures
- Sprain Fusion
Surgeons specializing in spine surgery often perform spinal fusion. Spinal fusion involves fusion of at least two vertebrae in order to stabilize the spine and alleviate discomfort from disorders such spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Spinal stabilization surgery may necessitate the use of metal plates, screws, rods, and bone transplants.
- Skin removal
Spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal becomes too small and presses on the spinal cord and nerves, is commonly treated with laminectomy. In order to provide more room and alleviate pressure on the nerves, the surgeon performs a laminectomy, which involves removing a portion of the vertebrae called the lamina.
- Debris removal
When a damaged or herniated disc presses on a nerve, a discectomy is done to remove the disc. This technique can decrease discomfort, numbness, and weakness associated with a herniated disc. On occasion, a less intrusive treatment called a microdiscectomy is carried out. This type of surgery involves making smaller incisions and using a microscope to guide the surgeon.
Disc Replacement with an Artificial One
Disc replacement with an artificial one is sometimes recommended by surgeons as an alternative to removing the diseased disc and fusing the vertebrae. This technique is generally recommended for younger, more active individuals because it allows for more natural spinal movement than spinal fusion.
Spine Surgery Dangers and Issues
- Infectious Disease
There is always the chance of infection after surgery. Because they affect the spine and the nerves that surround it, infections after spinal surgery can be extremely dangerous. Although surgeons take measures like giving antibiotics before and after surgery, patients still need to keep an eye out for infection symptoms as they heal.
- Clotted Blood
As a result of being immobile following spinal surgery, blood clots can develop in the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can occur when these clots get to the lungs. To reduce the risk of blood clots, surgeons frequently advise patients to take blood-thinning medicine, move around as soon as possible following surgery, and wear compression stockings.
- Damage to the Nerves
The spinal cord and an intricate system of nerves are housed in the spine. Even with their exceptional training, spine surgeons run the risk of injuring a patient’s nerves. The affected limbs may become temporarily or permanently paralyzed, feeble, or numb.
Immediate Care Following Surgery
Your recovery after spinal surgery will require several days of hospitalization under constant medical observation. Medication to reduce inflammation and pain is available as part of our commitment to your pain management. Your vitals, the operation site, and your ability to move around will be closely watched by your surgeon and other medical staff.
Conclusion
For people with neurological problems, spinal abnormalities, or chronic back pain, treatment from a spine surgeon can be a game-changer. Although surgery is usually reserved for extreme cases, it can greatly alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life when all other options have been exhausted.
Making an educated decision regarding your spine health is possible when you are familiar with the available surgical alternatives, their associated risks, and the recovery process. For the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s important to see a board-certified spine surgeon.