Are you struggling with chronic back pain? If it’s of any consolation, you’re not the only one.
Research shows back pain impacts 540 million individuals globally.
If you’ve exhausted all options for treating your low back pain, surgery for back pain may be the best solution for you. Let’s explore if back pain surgery is right for you.
When to Choose Back Pain Surgery
It’s best to avoid choosing back surgery until you have tried “conservative” or nonsurgical, options first.
Some nonsurgical treatment options include lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss), medications, and physical therapy. They also include spinal steroid injections, which can help with pain management. You can learn more about spinal injections and other possible back pain treatments linked here.
Conservative back pain treatment measures are especially ideal for people in their 60s, 50s, or 40s.
What happens when nonsurgical treatments don’t work, though? If your pain has become persistent and stems from a mechanical issue in your spine, it might be time to discuss spine surgery with your doctor.
What Is Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery today is a minimally invasive procedure targeting a variety of issues with the spine. There are several types of spine surgery. However, they all belong to either of these two categories: decompression and stabilization surgery.
Decompression surgery is where a doctor relieves a patient’s arm or leg pain stemming from the pinching of or pressure on spinal nerves. Meanwhile, stabilization surgery aims to give your spine stability and strength by getting rid of motion. It usually improves neck or back pain.
Spinal fusion is a common type of stabilization surgery for back pain. This procedure involves joining two vertebrae (your spine’s large bones) that are close to each other.
Is Spinal Fusion Right for You?
Spinal fusion is a relatively common procedure that can lead to outstanding results for some patients. The best candidates for this type of procedure are those with chronic pain due to 1-2 vertebrae.
You may not be the best candidate for this procedure if you have been suffering from back pain for less than half a year. In addition, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure if your back pain involves more than two vertebrae. You should also avoid spinal fusion if you have a serious infection or illness.
Your doctor can discuss all of your back pain treatment options with you after evaluating your unique case.
Take Advantage of Surgery for Back Pain
Surgery for back pain may help you experience a better quality of life when conservative treatments haven’t helped you overcome your pain. Examples of these nonsurgical treatments include steroid shots and lifestyle changes.
Keep in mind the above-mentioned pointers about back pain surgery as you explore whether this treatment option may be beneficial for you.
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