Our backs are the workhorses of our bodies, allowing us to move, bend, and twist. But what happens when back pain becomes more than a minor ache and transforms into something that disrupts your daily life?
Most back pain gets better with non-surgical treatments like therapy and medicine. However, some spine conditions can cause serious issues and require a different approach. In such cases, surgery can be a powerful tool for regaining mobility and reducing pain.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top four common spine conditions and discuss when surgery might be the best option.
Spinal Fractures
A spinal fracture is also known as vertebrae. This can happen due to various reasons like accidents, falls, or conditions like osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and brittle. Sometimes, tumors in the backbone can also lead to fractures.
Symptoms
If you have a spinal fracture, you might experience sudden and severe back pain. This pain can get worse when you stand or walk. You might also find it difficult to move around or bend your back. Sometimes, spinal fractures can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs if the fracture affects the spinal cord or nerves.
To diagnose a spinal fracture, you should consult a qualified spine surgeon to get better assistance. They will start with a thorough physical examination and ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. Then, they will likely order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These tests help them see the exact location and severity of the fracture.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment. If surgery is necessary, there are a couple of options.
- Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: These minimally invasive procedures stabilize the fracture.
- Spinal Fusion: Used for severe fractures that cause instability.
Herniated Discs
This problem happens when the jelly-like, soft center of a backbone disc pushes through a crack in the tough outermost layer. This can press on nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Symptoms
If you have a herniated disc, you might feel a sharp pain in your back that shoots down your legs or arms. Some people also experience numbness or tingling in these areas. It can make simple activities like walking or bending over very painful. Doctors usually use MRI or CT scans to see what’s going on inside your backbone and confirm the diagnosis.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Most herniated discs get better with time and non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. However, if you’ve been trying these for several weeks and still have severe pain, surgery might be the next step. This option can be necessary if a herniated disc is causing weakness in your muscles. It’s also needed if you’re having trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, which is serious.
Spinal Stenosis
This problem occurs when the spaces in your backbone narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This problem can happen anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back and neck.
Symptoms
People with spinal stenosis often experience pain, numbness, or weakness in their legs, calves, or buttocks. It can also make walking or maintaining balance difficult.
Some might notice that their symptoms get better when they sit down or lean forward, like when pushing a shopping cart. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult with a Neurosurgeon to see where the narrowing is happening.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery might be recommended if:
- Symptoms don’t improve with other treatments
- Pain and discomfort make daily life difficult
- Neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness get worse
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs in your backbone wear out, causing pain, weakness, or numbness. These discs act as cushions, allowing your spine to bend and twist. As you age, they can lose water and become less flexible, leading to pain and discomfort. It’s a common part of getting older but can sometimes cause significant issues.
Symptoms
People with this problem often feel a constant, nagging ache in their back or neck. This pain might spread to the arms or legs. Sometimes, you might feel numbness or tingling. The discomfort can get worse when you sit, bend, or lift something heavy.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgical technique might be needed if:
- Non-surgical treatments don’t help
- You have severe, disabling pain
- There’s spinal instability or significant nerve compression
Wrap Up!
While non-surgical treatments are often effective for many conditions, sometimes surgery is the best option. If you have severe symptoms or complications, it’s important to talk to a specialist spine surgeon. They can help you decide the best treatment for your specific condition. When necessary, surgery can provide significant relief and improve your quality of life.