Addressing Back Pain With Spine Surgery
Back pain is a common occurrence that happens to over 619 million adults worldwide. Most chalk this up to age, stiffness, and a lack of mobility. For some, the issue is much deeper and connected to an issue with the spine. One of the more common spinal conditions to cause chronic back pain is a herniated disc. Primarily disrupting the lower back, herniated discs can lead to significant pain and discomfort. With minimally invasive spine surgery. Addressing this issue in a delicate location is now easier. Not only does surgery reduce symptoms, but the process often leads to a shorter downtime, which is a goal for all surgical patients.
A breakdown of herniated discs
The spine consists of bones called vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and nerves. Between each vertebra are tough discs that help with movement, shock absorption, and spacing. Sometimes, due to injury, wear and tear, or natural aging, the discs can shift out of place, called a herniated disc. In some cases, the inner part of the disc breaks through the outer shell, pressing on nearby nerves. Herniated discs typically cause lower back pain, nerve pain, numbness, stiffness, and a symptom called sciatica. Some studies believe genetics play a role in who gets herniated discs. Smoking, certain sports, sedentary behavior, obesity, smoking, and poor posture are other risk factors.
When to consider surgery
Herniated discs can happen anywhere along the spine but are more common in the lumbar area. The condition can be treated conservatively and often responds well to treatment. Sometimes, a herniated disc worsens, leading to weakness, reduced reflexes in the knee, and even changes in bladder or bowel function. At this point, doctors may recommend spine surgery. This surgical procedure uses small incisions to access and address the herniated disc. The surgeon may perform a discectomy which removes part of the disc to relieve the pressure on the nearby nerves. In some cases, the entire disc is removed, and a replacement spacer fills the spot. Over time, the nearby vertebrae grow and fuse together, creating a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine.
Benefits of minimally invasive surgery
Spine surgery uses small incisions and a scope to view the spine and herniated disc. The surgery needs significantly smaller incisions than open surgery, leading to less blood loss and postoperative pain. The incisions lead to smaller scars, which reduces the risk of infection. As the surgery requires small incisions, the patient can leave the hospital faster than traditional techniques, usually the same day. Spine surgery is complex and the result needs significant downtime for recovery.
Is downtime really shorter than traditional means?
As there is less tissue damage and blood loss, the recovery time should be shorter. As open surgery moves or damages more muscle and tissue, the healing period can take longer. Furthermore, patients can start recovery after surgery sooner than traditional open surgery. Studies have shown that patients can return to normal activities faster compared to open surgery. While spine surgery can save recovery time, the recovery time is dependent on patient commitment to recovery, general health, and the absence of complications.
Get a healthier back
Spine surgery is an effective procedure for severe forms of back pain caused by a herniated disc. This condition can severely impact daily activities and lead to more unpleasant conditions. Surgery is useful when conventional treatment fails but downtime is required. Ask a surgeon about minimally invasive techniques. The procedure can address herniated discs without severe tissue damage, blood loss, and complications which leads to a faster return.
