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Why You May Need Spine Surgery
October 15, 2022
You may need spine surgery if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: neck pain, back pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, difficulty walking, and problems with bladder or bowel control. Your pain can be dull and achy, or it can be sharp and debilitating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a spine specialist as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that they may need surgery until it is too late. In this blog post, we will discuss the different reasons why you may need spine surgery. We will also provide information on what to expect during and after surgery.
The most common reason someone may need spine surgery is degenerative disc disease, which occurs when the discs in your spine begin to break down and collapse. This can cause the vertebrae to rub against each other, resulting in pain. Other common causes include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Tumors
- Injuries
During your consultation, the doctor will assess your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may also order imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to get a better look at your spine. From there, they will be able to determine if surgery is necessary.
Types of spine surgery
There are different types of spine surgery. The type of surgery you have will depend on the severity of your condition and the location of your pain. Some common types of spine surgery include:
- Discectomy: Remove herniated disc material pressing on the nerve root or spinal cord.
- Laminectomy: Remove the lamina, the back part of the vertebrae. This is often done to treat spinal stenosis.
- Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae together. This is often done to stabilize the spine and relieve pain.
- Kyphoplasty: Repair a spinal compression fracture. First, a balloon is inserted into the bone and then inflated to create a cavity. The bone cement is then injected into the cavity to stabilize the bone.
Before surgery
Before surgery, you will likely meet with your surgeon to discuss the details of your procedure. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. Next, you will likely meet with a nurse or anesthesiologist. They will go over the details of your anesthesia and answer any additional questions. You will also need to get some blood work done before surgery to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
During surgery
Spine surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in your back and then access the spine. They will then perform the procedure necessary to treat your condition.
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room, where somebody will closely monitor you. You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery to manage your pain and start physical therapy.
After surgery
Follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery. This includes getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and attending physical therapy sessions. Most people take approximately six weeks to recover from spine surgery. It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage this pain.
At All Spine Care, our mission is to lead as the most skilled and experienced spine care team in the Tampa Bay region, offering the highest level of personal care to help patients achieve their unique goals. If you are experiencing pain and believe spine surgery may help, reach out to us! Our team is dedicated to putting patients first and providing the best treatment experience.