A wide variety of spinal diseases may cause back and neck discomfort. Fortunately, most recover on their own, but you may have to make some adjustments to your routine in the weeks or months that follow. However, not every spinal condition will heal. The most prevalent kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is degenerative and has no known treatment. Sometimes herniated discs don’t recover. Vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis increases the risk of future damage. Spine surgery is the gold standard in certain cases. When you work with Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS level of expertise, you can access minimally invasive procedures that reduce discomfort and shorten the recovery time.
Learn the three warning signals that indicate you need to see a spine expert to determine whether back surgery is viable.
1. Discomfort that spreads to your limbs and arms
Radiculopathy, often known as radiating pain, is characterized by a backache that spreads to the arms and legs. It is often caused by pressure on a spinal nerve. Surgical intervention may be suggested, depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Bone spurs and herniated disks are the usual suspects in cases of radiating back pain. Osteophytes, or bone spurs, form due to degenerative disc disease in the spine. They manifest as a result of deterioration of the articular cartilage lining the spinal bone joints, which leads to bone-on-bone rubbing.
However, a disk herniation happens when a spinal disk’s soft, jellylike center pushes through the tough outer layer of fibrous tissue. The herniation might cause radiculopathy if it presses on a nerve root.
2. A crooked spine
Scoliosis, kyphosis, and flat-back syndrome are all disorders that alter the spine’s normal curvature and cause associated difficulties. Bracing and physical therapy are common non-operative treatments for scoliosis and kyphosis, but surgery may be necessary when the degree of spinal curvature becomes too significant. If non-surgical treatments for flat-back syndrome don’t work, it is a similar story.
3. Spinal fracture
Spinal fractures are a common outcome of severe back injuries that might occur in a vehicle accident, a fall from a great height, or during a sports event. Extension fractures, when vertebrae pull apart, are a common injury encountered in car accidents. A transverse process fracture may occur when the spine twists or sways to one side. Healing time for a fracture may range from four to twelve weeks, depending on its severity and treatment. You will have to undergo physiotherapy and use a back brace to recover fully.
However, there are situations when even conservative therapies are not adequate, and you are left with persistent discomfort, tingling, or both. Seek immediate medical attention from a spine surgeon if you suspect a spinal fracture. Laser spine surgery is one example of a minimally invasive procedure that may repair the spine and hasten the patient’s recovery time.
You don’t have to put up with constant back discomfort. Schedule an appointment with Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS to learn how you can benefit from spine surgery.
