As with any surgery, back surgery (also called a back operation or orthopedic surgery) carries with it a range of possible complications and risks. If you’re at all unsure about what you might be facing, you should talk to your doctor or spine surgeon beforehand. This will enable you to ask questions and find out exactly what the procedure will involve, the likely outcome, the likely recovery times, the costs involved, etc. Your doctor can also inform you as to what your particular risk factors are, and whether they are related to your age, your sex, your lifestyle, or any other factors. All this can be helpful in determining if you are a good candidate for undergoing the procedure and how to approach the issue of possible back surgery risks and complications.
One of the back surgery risks and complications that you should be aware of deals with what is known as the ‘disarticulation’ of the spine. This term simply refers to the process of removing large, strong portions of tissue in order to allow new spinal fusion to grow; however, small, weak areas can be damaged during the procedure. In the case of spinal fusion, the surgeon would cut into two adjacent vertebrae and then separate them, while leaving the third vertebrae untouched. Although this operation is relatively non-noticeable to patients, it can lead to a variety of problems including weakness in the muscles that support the spine, paralysis, bladder or kidney problems, and much more.
While these are just a few of the main types of back pain treatment that you might undergo, there are many more surgical procedures that can help with back pain relief. A consultation with your surgeon will help you determine which surgical options may be right for you. Your surgeon will know best what course of treatment is right for you, as well as what risks may be involved. For more information regarding back surgery and back pain relief, contact your primary care physician today. They can give you the information you need to make an informed decision on the best course of treatment for your needs.