Every day, millions of people in America experience back pain. While most of these people find some relief through non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, there are some cases where back surgery is necessary.
Untreated back pain decreases mobility, leads to poor nervous system functions, and even causes digestive problems, thus interfering with people’s lives. At Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital, we want you to know about the common types of back surgeries and how to determine if you need spine surgery. By understanding the various types of spine surgery available, you can make an informed decision about your treatment options. Our team of experts is here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
How Do You Know When You Need Spine Surgery?
Back pain can be excruciating, and finding the right treatment can sometimes be daunting. Therefore, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended when your back pain grows intense. This will allow the healthcare provider to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to prevent further injury.
Here are some general signs that indicate you may need back surgery.
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- Chronic pain: You may need back surgery if your back pain does not improve or worsens after trying other non-surgical treatments.
- Bladder or bowel problems: Back pain and bladder or bowel problems could mean a serious condition such as cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent surgery.
- Numbness: You may need surgery for numbness and tingling, especially if it does not improve with medication or other treatments.
- Limited mobility: If your back pain limits your ability to perform daily activities, surgery may be necessary to restore mobility and quality of life.
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Common Types of Spine Surgery
Discectomy: This procedure usually involves removing a portion of the herniated or ruptured disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The surgeon carefully makes an incision and accesses the affected spinal area. Then, using specialized tools, they carefully remove the damaged portion of the disc to relieve the pain and numbness felt prior to surgery.
Laminectomy: Laminectomy is a procedure where a portion of the bone overlying the spinal canal is removed. It’s the narrowing of the spinal canal that causes back pain. This surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves that was caused by an injury, narrowing of the spinal canal, or herniated disk.
Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of spinal conditions, including:
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- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal fractures
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During spinal fusion, the surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae to make a single immobile unit. This limits the motions that take place between the vertebrae, eliminating the pain.
Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure relieves back pain by removing the herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root. It’s minimally invasive, meaning the recovery time is shorter. Due to this, it’s the most common type of back surgery in the United States.
What Conditions Benefit From Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery is recommended for a variety of conditions that affect the spine. These include:
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- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures
- Lumbar radiculopathy
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Spine surgery may also be recommended for patients who have tried non-surgical treatments but have not found relief from their symptoms. Each patient’s case is evaluated individually, and the most appropriate treatment plan is developed based on their specific needs and medical history. Our skilled team of spine surgeons and medical professionals at Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital provides personalized care and expertise to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
Trust in the Expertise of Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital
for Your Spinal Surgery Needs
Are you experiencing back pain or other symptoms of a spine-related condition? If so, seeking medical attention from a qualified spine specialist is essential. At Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital, we offer a variety of spine surgeries to address several conditions and provide personalized care for each patient.
We understand that undergoing spine surgery can be nerve-racking. As such, we strive to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for our patients. Contact us today to schedule a spine consultation.
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