When is Spine Surgery Necessary?
One of the most critical parts of our body is our spine. It carries the burden of supporting us and providing us with stability, posture, movement, and flexibility. Unfortunately, it is also prone to injury and damage from a variety of sources. In cases where nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy or medications are no longer effective at addressing an issue with the spine, spinal surgery may be recommended.
Only one out of every five cases of spine disorders requires surgical intervention. Surgery is typically only recommended when other treatments have been unsuccessful in relieving pain and/or restoring function to the area. Common reasons for needing spinal surgery include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging discs, herniated discs, or bone spurs that impinge on nerves
- Spinal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spondylolysis or a fracture in the vertebrae
- Vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis
- Spinal tumors
- Scoliosis or curvature of the spine
- Traumatic injuries to the spine
- Congenital birth defects
- Infections in the spine
- Spinal instability or fractures due to trauma or physical wear and tear.
In these cases, surgical intervention can help to reduce pain, restore a normal range of motion and improve the patient’s quality of life. Surgery is usually the last option when it comes to treating a spinal disorder, and each case should be discussed with a healthcare provider and spine specialist. Dr. Todd Lanman of Beverly Hills Spine Surgery is a spine specialist who is well-versed in the latest spine procedures and can help you make an informed decision about your spinal health. For more in-depth information on spine disorders, please visit spine.md for more detailed content.
How do I know if spine surgery is right for me?
The decision to have spine surgery should be made only after careful consideration and consultation with a spine specialist. Each case is unique and the best option for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your medical history, diagnosis, age, and overall health. Only a spine specialist is qualified to determine if spine surgery is the right option for you. It’s important to seek out a spine specialist that you trust and feel comfortable with as they will be your guide throughout the spine surgery process.
What spine surgeries are available?
There are a variety of spine surgeries that can be performed, from minimally invasive procedures to more complex spine fusion surgeries. The type of spine surgery needed will depend on the severity and type of spine disorder being treated. Common spine surgeries include laminectomy, spine decompression, spine fusion, spine instrumentation, and vertebroplasty. A spine specialist can help you determine the best type of spine surgery for your needs.… Read the rest
