Patients and their families are you usually left with more questions than answers when considering back pain surgery. Treatment choices for back pain will depend on the source, severity, persistence, and trajectory of the pain. If the back pain is not accompanied by leg pain, then back pain surgery should not be the first choice.
For patients who have nonspecific pain, or have other underlying conditions such as arthritis, there are many recommended alternatives to surgery. This may include physical therapy, core strengthening, and weight loss.
- Herniated disc – A patient with a herniated or slipped disc experiences pain that starts at the back and radiates down an arm or leg. Spinal discs (soft tissues that provide the vertebrae cushioning) crack, causing the softer interior protrudes. Disc herniation often comes from aging and when this happens, it will irritate the nerves. Those with herniated discs should explore prescribed exercises and pain medication first before considering back surgery.
- Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis occurs when the open spaces between the spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Those with spinal stenosis will experience pain after two to three minutes of walking. This pain dissipates after lying down. Physical therapy and other alternative treatments should be tried for at least six weeks before proceeding with surgery.
When to consider back surgery
A patient with back pain must carefully consider all other options before surgery. Make sure to talk to your doctor to determine the right treatment option for your case. Spine Center of Texas offers various solutions to patients. In fact, less than 5% of our cases result in a client having to undergo back surgery.
Spine Center of Texas promotes wellness through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, not endless medications. Almost every single option we offer is both minimally invasive and outpatient. This speeds your recovery and reduces the cost of treatment.
More questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Spine Center of Texas.
