There are numerous possible options for treatment for those who have suffered from back pain and especially those whose pain is considered to be chronic, some of them even promising to heal or offer lasting relief. There is no shortage of ways to approach the management of back pain, from gadgets purchased on the internet, activities, or exercises suggested by well-meaning friends and relatives. Therefore, you need to visit a spine specialist in OKC to get the facts.
In cases where traumatic spine injuries are not involved (surgical treatment of some of these types of damage is assessed differently), a back operation is usually considered if all the best non-surgical attempts fail to provide sufficient relief from pain. Conservative treatment options may include physical therapy or injection of epidural steroids, for example.
Regardless of the cause, the most common denominator is persistent (chronic) pain. Other factors include disability (which may be so severe that the patient is in a wheelchair), and disfigurement (e.g., in scoliosis or kyphosis).
Reasons for Spinal Surgery
Release Nerve from Pressure
Some conditions, including disc hernia or spinal stenosis, compress nerves within the column of the spinal cord that may cause pain, tingling, numbness, weak muscles, and other serious symptoms. Spinal surgery is usually necessary to prevent permanent impairment with this condition. This can be done by interventions such as laminectomy, ALIF, or XLIF.
Stabilizing Spine
A healthy spine provides structure, protection, and support for the body, but an unstable spine can no longer hold the ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones together so that these essential functions are carried out.
Contact a spine specialist in OKC for treatment. In many conditions, we sometimes see unstable spines, including spinal fractures, spondylolistheses, and even extreme disk injuries. Surgery is often necessary when symptoms develop into uncomfortable back pain, leg pain, or major neurological problems of the pinched nerve. The best possible solution is to fuse the unstable parts of the spine with an ALIF, PLIF, or Lateral Interbody Fusion.
Crooked Spine
Certain conditions, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and flat back syndrome, affect spinal curvature and cause several deficiencies. The typical non-operative management of scoliosis and kyphosis is bracing and physical therapy, but if the spinal curvature is extensive, surgery may be required. The same goes for flatback syndrome if non-operative measures do not alleviate symptoms.
Bone Overgrowth
Osteoarthritis can lead to a bone spur. This excess bone can reduce the space around the spinal column, compressing the nerves.
Disc Problems
A herniated or ruptured disc may require spine surgery.
Types of Back Operation
Diskectomy
This means that the herniated portion of the disc is removed to relieve nerve irritation and inflammation. Diskectomy typically involves removing a vertebra (lamina) from the back part of a ruptured disk, either fully or partially.
Laminectomy
This method consists of removing the bone that is over the spinal canal. It extends the spinal canal and relieves the pressure on the nerve caused by the backbone.
Fusion
Spinal fusion connects two or more vertebrae permanently. It can alleviate pain by providing a spinal fracture with stability. It is occasionally used to remove painful movement from a degenerated or injured disc between vertebrae.
Artificial Discs
Implanted artificial discs are an alternative treatment for spinal fusion.
Consider All Possibilities
Consider a second opinion from a qualified spine specialist before you agree to an operation. The surgeons may differ on when to operate, what kind of surgery to perform, and if surgery is warranted for certain spinal conditions. Reach out to Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management to explore all the possibilities to correct your problem.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
