For patients suffering from neck or back pain, the idea of surgery can be daunting. In earlier days, spine surgery could be quite involved and complicated, and the results were not always assured.
Today, spine surgery is not nearly as fearsome as it once was. Thanks to advances in technology and techniques, patients can find lasting relief through spine surgery.
Who needs spinal surgery?
When neck or back pain occurs, many people automatically assume surgery is inevitable. However, many spinal problems can be treated effectively using non-surgical solutions such as physical therapy or steroid injections. The first question to ask your doctor is whether your pain requires surgery or if there are other treatment options.
What conditions can be treated with surgery?
Various problems may respond to surgical intervention. Some of these conditions include:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips out of alignment)
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumors
What types of surgery are possible?
We employ the latest technologies to enhance the safety of spinal surgeries, including intraoperative CT navigation and continuous real-time nerve monitoring. In addressing spinal problems, your surgeon may perform any of a number of procedures to relieve pressure and stabilize the vertebrae. These may include
- Laminectomy (partial removal of bone)
- Discectomy (partial or full removal of a herniated disc)
- Spinal fusion (fusing two or more vertebrae together for stability)
- Artificial disc replacement
What happens on the day of surgery?
Spinal surgery can take between one hour and several hours to perform, depending on the intervention. On the day of surgery, you will meet with the surgical nursing team and the anesthesiologist. After surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery room for careful monitoring as your anesthesia wears off.
You will be able to return home when you are comfortable and able to get around. In many cases, patients go home the same day.
Recovery from surgery
One of the great benefits of modern surgical techniques is the speed of recovery. After surgery, recovery may take about 4-6 weeks, but many patients can begin resuming some normal activities within a few days.
For more extensive procedures, it may take several weeks to feel the full benefit of surgery.
Learn more about neurosurgery at Northside.
