Spinal cord surgery is not always the answer to aching back issues. If you are one of the many individuals suffering from nagging back pain, looking for answers is your number one priority. No one wants to go through their everyday life with chronic back pain. Upper and lower back pain, discomfort when waking up in the morning, or pain while standing or sitting too long can become one of the hardest health issues to live with as an adult.
The first step to relief is to find out where the pain is coming from and how to stop it. Seeing a neurosurgeon should be on the top of the to-do list. A neurosurgeon can diagnose the troubles by running tests and completing a physical examination. In the event that spinal cord surgery is necessary, the neurosurgeon will take the appropriate steps to do so.
Do I need spinal cord surgery?
This type of surgery can be very complex or simple, depending on the reason that it is needed. Decompression surgery is when a surgeon must open up the spinal cord and relieve the pressure on the nerves. There are many reasons this type of surgery needs to be performed.
- Weakness in the extremities
- A degenerative spinal condition
- Trouble walking
- Difficulty using the hands
- Relieve pain
Many of these health issues can be fixed without major surgery being performed. In some cases, there only needs to be a few small cuts near the area that needs to be corrected.
Is spinal cord surgery risky?
As with any surgery, one will need to have the surgeon review the risks and benefits before deciding. Anytime that spinal cord surgery is needed, there will always be a risk of complications. Always be upfront with the surgeon about any concerns and health history.
The risks listed below should be discussed with a doctor. They all have a possibility of occurring during this procedure.
- Anesthesia complications
- Blood Clots
- Lung complications
- Infection
- Pain
- Spinal injury
There are always risks that can arise for each individual differently, which is why there is so much emphasis put on going through all concerns ahead of time.
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion is when the surgeon inserts bonelike material between two vertebrae. This is done so that two vertebrae can be connected and eliminate any movement between them. This procedure can be done for several reasons.
Spinal fusion is used to treat an unstable spine, any spine abnormalities, and herniated disks, which are very common among adults.
Talk to your surgeon
Anytime you are considering surgery, make sure to research and seek the opinion of an experienced neurosurgeon. They are there to help patients navigate through all the medical terms and find the answer to existing back pain.
Let them show you all the ways to find relief. This could mean physical therapy, exercise, medication, and even surgery. You and your surgeon are the only ones who know your exact situation and can devise the proper solution.
Request an appointment here: https://www.brainandspineni.com or call Brain and Spine Neuroscience Institute at (813) 751-2029 for an appointment in our Palm Harbor office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Spinal Cord Surgery in Palm Harbor, FL.
Related Posts
Navigating neurological challenges requires professional treatment from a neurosurgeon, personal perseverance, and healthy coping strategies. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological issue or are caring for a loved one who has, there is help available. Here are some helpful insights about the intricacies of the human brain and the comprehensive care needed to…
A spine surgeon can help treat and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the spine. Thus, if you have been experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may indicate an issue with the spine, such as foot and leg tingling, it is a good idea to book a consultation. Learn when to consult a…
With professional care from a stroke treatment center, patients can achieve relief and independence to help boost their quality of life after a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States. Few people are prepared to face the sudden event of…
Learning that you need to undergo neurosurgery to address conditions affecting the nervous system can understandably make you feel apprehensive. However, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Take a look at some common treatment options that our neurosurgeon may consider for your condition.Brain surgery is for those who…