Has your back been aching a lot lately? You’re not alone. Most people in the US suffer from chronic back pain. So, if you’ve been living with extreme pain, your doctor might have suggested various treatment options including spinal surgery. While you might need time to process all this and settle for the best option with the guidance of your doctor, here are a few essential things to remember.
Your Back Pain Might Not Need Surgery
Yes, you might be thinking about the worst, and even psychologically preparing yourself for spinal surgery, but you might just be overthinking. You see, as much as back pain can be unbearable, most of the time, this pain can be treated with non-surgical treatments. From physical therapy, pain-relieving medications to spinal injections, there are several back pain treatments that your doctor can recommend depending on your situation.
Sometimes, you might only have to undertake various exercises that can ease the pain and prevent it from coming back. Therefore, unless yours is a serious spinal injury or pain that won’t go away even after trying other treatment methods, your surgeon will consider back surgery as the last option.
Why you Might Require Spinal Surgery
As mentioned above, most of the time, your surgeon will only recommend back surgery if other treatments can’t seem to treat your problem. But apart from that, some scenarios, such as the following could mean an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon:
- Spinal infections can be associated with having a high fever and back pain.
- A dislocated or broken bone in your back.
- A developing tumor on your spinal code
- Experiencing trouble walking or not being able to efficiently use your hands
- A slipped disk that doesn’t seem to get better even with other treatments
- Feeling unusually weak and numb in your legs and/or arms
- Back nerve problems are associated with loose bowel and bladder control, among other degenerative spinal conditions.
Pro tip: Remember, it’s important to talk to your surgeon and ask as many questions as possible. For example, the qualified spinal neurosurgeons at adrspine.com will help you learn about your various treatment options, before settling for one.
Surgery Isn’t a Rush Decision
If indeed you do need you do need surgery, you still have time to get ready for the procedure. Your surgeon might give you 4-6 weeks to help you prepare psychologically, and give them enough time to see if your body can heal on its own without the need to go under the knife. This is especially the case with degenerative spine conditions that aren’t quickly worsening. However, some conditions demand almost immediate surgery to avoid the problem from advancing and affecting the surrounding areas.
If you have any doubts, seek a second opinion.
