Millions of Americans experience at least one significant episode of back discomfort in their life. Although surgery may seem like a great way to alleviate chronic back pain, it is unnecessary in numerous cases. For many individuals, spine surgery is ineffective and could lead to persistent or even intensified pain. Nonetheless, there are some cases when Roswell spine surgery is the right alternative. Common issues that spine surgery can address include trauma, tumors, infection, neurological dysfunction, or serious structural anomalies like scoliosis. Continue reading to discover the major reasons to consider spine surgery.
1. To Eliminate Pressure From The Nerves
Some issues like spinal stenosis or disc herniation squeeze the nerves inside the spinal column, resulting in pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Spinal surgery is necessary in such cases to prevent lasting impairment. Typical surgeries that can address these conditions include artificial disc replacement, laminectomy, and anterior/exterior lumbar interbody fusion.
2. To Stabilize An Unstable Spine
An unstable spine is the inability of one’s spinal column to retain its natural form. An unstable spine cannot hold together the bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs that provide structural support to the spine. Common conditions that can cause this issue include spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, or even severe disc trauma. Fusion surgery is frequently necessary if symptoms radiate to leg pain, back pain, or serious neurological issues caused by pinched nerves.
3. To Align A Crooked Spine
Some disorders like kyphosis, flat-back syndrome, and scoliosis impact the normal spine’s curvature, leading to various impairments. These conditions are generally managed without surgery, often through physical therapy and bracing. However, surgery is necessary to align the spine when spinal curvature surpasses a specific degree.
4. To Restore Normal Functionality
You depend on your back for nearly everything you do everyday, which exerts lots of strain on the spine. As you age, you lose mobility. Often, this lost mobility begins with your back getting progressively weakened.
Considering that your back is the support system, if you lose stability, you will have difficulties sitting, walking, working, or sleeping. Often, lost stability is accompanied by leg discomfort, and in some instances, neurologic issues from a pinched nerve arise. Fusing the spine’s unstable elements through different surgical procedures can enhance function.
5. To Enhance Your Life Quality
If your back pain reaches a degree where you cannot function, it affects your life quality. Not only does back pain affect your daily performance and function, but it could also affect your ability to engage in the things you love. With new technologies emerging, minimally invasive procedures can improve your life quality by addressing your lingering back pain.
Surgery is unnecessary for most patients with sciatica and/or back pain. Nevertheless, if you think you are the right fit for surgery, it is crucial to obtain a second opinion before having surgery. A second opinion is necessary to verify whether surgery is genuinely appropriate. Besides, your doctor can ensure that you undergo the right surgery and the most minimally intrusive procedure feasible. While minimally invasive treatments can be just as effective at addressing back pain, you do not have to endure as long of recovery time as with traditional surgery.