Back Surgery

Back surgery is usually a final treatment option for those suffering from chronic (long-term) back or neck pain. Conditions that can cause pain include bulging or herniated discs, vertebral fractures, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), among others. If any of these conditions involve the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, pain may manifest at the site of compression. Radiating pain, tingling, cramping, weakness, and numbness may also affect the extremities.

Surgery is not required, nor is it recommended, for most cases of back or neck pain, as nerve compression symptoms can often resolve on their own over a period of weeks to months. Your physician will typically suggest a course of conservative non-surgical treatments in an attempt to alleviate your symptoms. Conservative options might include rest, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, hot and/or cold therapy, and pain medications. Alternative treatments, such as spinal manipulation, herbal supplements, and even acupuncture may be considered. If conservative and alternative treatment options have not relieved your symptoms, your doctor may then suggest back surgery.

Types of Back Surgery

• Discectomy – An entire intervertebral disc is removed.
• Nucleotomy – The gelatinous inner disc material, known as the nucleus pulposus, is removed.
• Laminectomy – One or both laminae from a vertebral body are removed, allowing better access to and decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Fusions – Fusion surgeries involve removing an intervertebral disc and replacing it with a titanium cage, which supports the vertebrae. Bone grafts are then attached. As the bone grafts grow with new bone in the spine, the two vertebrae eventually and permanently fuse together.
• Vertebroplasty – This procedure may include the injection of acrylic cement into a fractured and/or collapsed vertebra to help it regain its stability.

An Additional Option

Open back surgery can lead to lengthy hospital stays, extended recovery periods, and a higher chance of infections. Explore your other options, including the minimally invasive procedures offered at Laser Spine Institute. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and our orthopedic specialists will review your MRI or CT scan at no cost. Learn more about our state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques that have helped tens of thousands of people find relief from back and neck pain.