Is spine surgery the only option for my back pain? Are there no alternatives?
There are other non surgical treatment options which include medications - anti-inflammatory medicine, muscle relaxants, nerve stabilizers etc. Pain management is also an option for acute or chronic pain, which includes Lumbar and Cervical Facet Injections, Radiofrequency Ablation, Epidural Injections, Sympathetic Blocks, and Spinal Cord Stimulators.
Surgery is often considered as the last resort when other options have failed to work or do not provide the kind of relief patient is looking for.
Whether or not you want to undergo the surgery depends on your goals and priorities. Some people find it very hassling to visit a practitioner for injections every now and then and want pain relief once and for all. Surgery is the best choice for them. While some feel very intrigued with the idea of undergoing knife and feel at ease with pain management only.
Which type of spine surgery is most suited for me?
The surgeon would suggest you the most suitable option depending on your age, pain, medical history and the medical condition. You may be a candidate for Spinal fusion or laminectomy.
Spinal Fusion is indicated for patients suffering from neurological deficits, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, kyphosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, or spondylosis. Laminectomy is indicated in cases of spinal stenosis , often known as narrowing of the spinal canal..
|
