Back Surgery

Back pain is very common. We’ve all bent over to pick something up and felt a tweak in one of our back muscles. It’s not a good feeling. Statistics show that as many as 80 percent of Americans will experience significant back pain at some point in their lives.

Many people who have suffered from back pain on numerous occasions find themselves wondering if surgery is an option. The truth is that, for over 90 percent of people, back pain is temporary and surgery is not necessary. With the proper therapy, the pain will eventually subside (although it may take several weeks). However, for around 5 percent of the population, back pain isn’t something that can be alleviated with rest and painkillers. These individuals are good candidates for back surgery.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Unless you have experienced back pain for more than six consecutive weeks, you are probably not a good candidate for back surgery.
  2. Doctors won’t even consider operating on your back unless you have exhausted all possible nonsurgical treatment methods (this list includes rest, massage, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs).
  3. If you have back pain along with symptoms of nerve damage (pain, numbness or tingling radiating down your arms and legs and loss of bladder or bowel control), your doctor may recommend back surgery.
  4. The different types of back surgery include spinal fusion, laminectomy, diskectomy, vertebroplasty, intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) and artificial disk implantation.
  5. Before you get surgery, you should always get a second opinion from another qualified doctor. It can be very difficult to diagnose the cause of back pain, so it’s a good idea to make sure that you don’t rush into a treatment plan.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for back surgery?
  2. Will surgery alleviate my back pain once and for all?
  3. How long will my recovery from surgery be?

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Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.