You've tried everything: exercises, pain relievers, massages, therapy and more. Nonetheless, the discomfort in your back is persisting. You're beginning to wonder if spine surgery is the best option for you. The decision of undergoing spine surgery is difficult, and the myths that circulate about the procedure don't help to make the decision any less difficult.
Before making a decision to schedule an appointment with a spine surgeon or not, learn the truth about these 3 common myths about the procedure. As well, make sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. They can assist you in determining whether or not spine surgery is the best option for treating your back pain.
Myth #1: All spine surgeries are considered major operations
We know that the spine is a large part of our body, but not every surgery of spine has to be a critical or major one.
Several spinal surgeries that are less invasive, which means the surgeon makes a few small incisions rather than a large incision to perform the procedure. In general, these procedures are minimally invasive and require less recuperation time than major surgical procedures. They also leave minimum scarring and have a reduced risk of infection or post-surgical pain than traditional surgical methods.
It is possible that if you have one of the following conditions, you will be a candidate for less-invasive surgery of spine:
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Spinal infections
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Herniated discs
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Spinal instability
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Lumbar spinal stenosis
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Spinal tumors
Myth #2: A spine specialist would always consider surgery if the situation requires it
Surgery is not for everyone, and your doctor is well aware of this fact. When you visit a spine specialist, they may recommend surgery as a treatment option. They may, on the other hand, have suggestions for treating instability or back pain without resorting to surgery, such as physical therapy or acupuncture.
According to doctors, there are a variety of treatment options available for many spine conditions. The goal should be to achieve a solution in the least invasive manner possible, whether that is through nonsurgical or surgical treatment.
Personalized and informative care delivered in a collaborative setting is critical for patients to make an informed decision about their treatment options.
Myth #3: The recovery period following spine surgery is excruciatingly painful
It is normal to experience discomfort following surgery, especially if you have recently undergone a major procedure. In general, the most severe pain is experienced for first three days following the surgery. Following that, it should start to fade away. You may experience moderate to severe pain for up to eight weeks following your surgery, but you should not experience any severe discomfort.
Extremely severe pain right after the surgery to at least 21 days, is not a common occurrence during the recovery process. Pain that is accompanied by chills, fevers, tingling sensations, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control is also not acceptable. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you are experiencing severe pain that will not go away, seek medical attention immediately.
Talk to a spine surgeon now at Neuroscience Specialist in OKC. The surgeons will help you through the treatment.
**Disclaimer- Information presented here is not intended to be qualified medical advice. Nothing expressed herein creates a doctor-patient relationship.