Spine Care
Call 828.315.3391Surgical Options for Back Pain
Spinal problems are among the most common—and challenging—medical conditions, and often encompass neurological issues. Our team of neuro-spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and nurses are trained and equipped to assess and treat spinal problems resulting from injuries, genetic abnormalities, and diseases such as arthritis, sciatica and scoliosis.Whenever possible, we strive to achieve positive results using non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques.
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Back pain can occur for numerous different reasons:
- Trauma
- Aging
- Incorrect body mechanics
- Normal wear and tear
Back pain usually responds to nonsurgical treatments:
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Ice
- Heat
- Massage
- Physical therapy
Most people get better in four to six weeks. Surgery may be considered when non-surgical options have not been successful after six months to a year.
There are several different kinds of back surgery:
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion involves fusing together two vertebrae (bones) in the spine. This procedure can help relieve pain by eliminating painful motion between vertebrae and providing stability. A bone graft is typically used to help the bones fuse together; screws or rods may be inserted to keep the spine stable while healing. The procedure can be performed though the abdomen, side, back or a combination. Full recovery may take a year or longer.
Discectomy
A discectomy may be done to remove the herniated part of a disk to relieve pressure on a nerve that is causing irritation or inflammation. This procedure often involves removing most or part of the back portion of the vertebra to access the ruptured disk.
Laminectomy
When nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis is causing pain, the bone overlying the spinal canal can be removed during a surgical procedure called a laminectomy. This enlarges the spinal canal and reduces pain.
Kyphoplasty
This procedure involves injecting bone cement into compressed vertebrae.
SI Joint Fusion
This is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small incision. The goal is to treat pain and dysfunction in the triangular-shaped bone in the lower portion of the spine through stabilization of joints with implantable devices.
Navigated Spinal Procedures and O-Arm Technology
Both of these options to guide surgeons during complex spinal fusion cases using CT imaging.
The type of surgery to treat back pain will depend on the nature of the injury. Some types of back pain cannot be treated, even with surgery.
Conditions that may require surgery include:
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
- Kyphosis (humpback deformity)
- Spondylolisthesis (segment of the spine slips forward)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Radiculopathy (herniated disk causes nerve irritation and inflammation)
- Degenerative disk disease
To prevent persistent back problems:
- Exercise to keep the muscles in your back and abdomen strong and flexible
- Lift heavy items properly with your legs
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
- Have good posture