Living with back and spine pain can make people feel restricted, affecting everything from basic movements to daily living. Millions of people around the world face this struggle, dealing with discomfort caused by spinal conditions related to aging, past injuries, degenerative spinal disease, and even congenital conditions.
Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections can often relieve back and spine pain. However, if severe pain or persistent nerve problems persist despite these treatments, spinal surgery may be worth considering. Surgery is usually only recommended after all other treatments have failed, but for many people it offers a route to greater comfort and improved mobility. If you’re tired of constant back or spine pain, our team Pain Relief Institute of America Here to help. From the latest minimally invasive spine surgery procedures to personalized treatment plans, we will work with you to find the best path forward. Schedule your appointment now.
Learn about spinal conditions and their impact on daily life
A variety of spinal conditions may require surgical intervention because they severely impact mobility and comfort. Here are some common conditions:
- herniated disc – A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of the disc passes through a crack in the outer shell, often compressing the nerve and causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness.
- spinal stenosis – This condition involves a narrowing of the space within the spine, putting pressure on the nerves that run through the spine. Symptoms may include leg pain, tingling, and balance problems.
- Scoliosis – Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause discomfort, posture problems and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
- degenerative disc disease – As we age, the spinal discs often lose hydration and flexibility, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Symptoms of these conditions often include persistent back pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control. For those with severe limitations, spinal surgery may help restore normal levels and relieve pain.
When is spine surgery necessary?
For spinal conditions, surgery is usually not the first option. Specialists at spine and pain clinics often start with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. However, surgery may be necessary if:
- Conservative treatment failed: If non-surgical methods are ineffective after a period of time, surgery may be the best option.
- Severe pain and neurological deficits: Significant pain, numbness, or weakness that affects mobility and quality of life may indicate the need for surgery.
- Structural problems in the spine: Conditions such as scoliosis or severe degenerative spinal disease may require surgical correction to prevent further complications.
A thorough evaluation by a qualified spine surgeon is essential in developing an individualized treatment plan.
Types of spine surgery
A variety of spine surgeries are designed to address specific problems, with options tailored to the severity of the condition and each patient’s unique needs.
- Discectomy and Microdiscectomy
Purpose: Designed to remove part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
During a discectomy, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerve. In a microdiscectomy, the minimally invasive version of this procedure, the incisions are smaller, resulting in faster recovery time and less postoperative pain. Patients with herniated discs and sciatica can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.
Purpose: Relieving pressure on the nerves by removing part of the vertebrae, called the lamina.
Laminectomy is often performed to treat spinal stenosis. By removing the lamina, the surgeon creates more space within the spinal canal, reducing nerve compression. Recovery time from laminectomy is generally shorter than traditional open surgery, with most patients experiencing significant relief of symptoms and returning to daily activities relatively quickly.
Purpose: Permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
Spinal fusion is often recommended for people with conditions such as degenerative disc disease or scoliosis because movement between vertebrae can cause pain. By fusing the vertebrae, surgeons can provide stability, reduce pain, and prevent further degeneration. Although it requires a longer recovery period than other surgeries, spinal fusion provides a long-term solution for people with spinal instability.
- artificial disc replacement
Purpose: Replace damaged intervertebral discs with artificial intervertebral discs to maintain the mobility of the spine.
Artificial disc replacement is an alternative to spinal fusion and offers patients a way to maintain a more natural range of motion in the spine. The damaged disc is removed and an artificial disc is inserted to reduce pain and improve mobility. This option typically has shorter recovery time and less postoperative pain than traditional spinal fusion surgery.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
Purpose: Provides various techniques through smaller incisions to reduce muscle damage and speed recovery.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to its advantages over traditional open surgery. They involve smaller incisions that reduce trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues, allowing patients to spend less time in the hospital and return to normal activities more quickly. These surgeries are effective for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and certain types of spinal fusions.
Understand the recovery process
Recovery from spine surgery may vary depending on the specific procedure performed, but patients can expect the following results:
- Discectomy and Microdiscectomy: Patients usually return to light activity within a few weeks and make a full recovery in one to two months.
- laminectomy: Recovery usually takes several weeks, and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the spine.
- spinal fusion: Recovery can take several months as it takes time for the bones to fuse properly. Physical therapy is needed to restore strength and mobility.
- artificial disc replacement: Patients typically recover faster and have a shorter rehabilitation period compared to spinal fusion.
After surgery, many patients experience reduced pain and improved mobility. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are critical to a successful recovery because they help strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve long-term outcomes.
Get Minimally Invasive Spinal Condition Treatment at Pain Relief Institute of America in Austin
Pain Relief Institute of America offers a range of minimally invasive chiropractic treatments that are personalized to each patient’s needs. From discectomies to artificial disc replacements, our spine surgeons are dedicated to relieving your pain, improving mobility, and restoring your quality of life.
If you are battling spinal disease and looking for “neurosurgery near me‘We can give you the hope and treatment you need. Our experts are dedicated to helping you overcome pain and achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life. Contact us now!
