Back surgery is usually a surgical procedure aimed to alter the anatomy of a patient s spinal cord, including the removal of a herniated spinal disc which, with the intention of giving pain relief, is often performed by interventional radiography. This technique has proven extremely effective in treating patients suffering from lower and upper back pain. Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among patients seeking medical treatment from a doctor. Upper back pain is also relatively common, although cases are more often reported amongst patients aged 60 years and above. Back surgery can be appropriate for patients whose back pain has not improved after several weeks of non-operative treatments, of course if an anatomical laceration is identified as the underlying cause of back pain, back surgery might be indicated.
When performing spine surgery, the normal activities of a person are restricted during the period of the procedure, in most cases. In some cases, normal activities may resume after about six months, but in most cases, normal activities of a person are only resumed after the procedure has been completed, and the full healing process is almost complete. There are also some types of back surgery that may need more than one operation, in order to fully correct the spine’s condition; these procedures are referred to as “cosmetic procedures” and the procedure will be accompanied by several post operative care requirements.
Prior to deciding on back surgery, patients should discuss with their doctor the possibility of nerve compression. Nerve compression can occur as a result of any injury to the soft tissue surrounding the spine, as well as changes in posture and muscle strength. Patients should discuss with their doctor the possible consequences of nerve compression with respect to any other back pain management strategy that might be appropriate. In some instances, especially where nerve compression has occurred, treating the nerve compression could make the back surgery unnecessary. Patients and their doctors should discuss this issue thoroughly before any decision is made to have back surgery. Further examinations may be required to confirm nerve compression does not affect the patient’s current treatment.