SPINE SURGERY

Introduction

The Spine or vertebral column is an important, complicated structure that houses the Spinal Cord and serves as a pillar to support the body’s weight. A healthy spine is important to ensure a good quality of life. The spine, however, is susceptible to several medical issues; this includes diseases such as Spina bifida, Spondylolisthesis, and Spinal disc herniation (slipped disc). It can also be affected by injuries caused by accidents, sports, etc. Other spinal issues include birth defects and Spinal tumors.

While many spinal issues can be treated by medicine and therapy, the modern, sedentary lifestyle has led to a massive increase in the risk of back pains and injuries, and as a consequence, the increasing need for spinal surgeries.

When do you need spinal surgery?

Once you understand the necessity of having spinal surgery and you have narrowed down on spine surgery hospitals in India, then you will understand the type of surgery you will need as well. Usually, a patient will know they need spine surgery when they have extreme back pain and the primary care physician will refer them to a spine surgery hospital in India where they can visit a specialist.

Sometimes the issue will not be severe and non-surgical options will be recommended. If activities like exercise and medicines don’t improve your condition, then surgery can be your only option.

Back surgery is usually the last option, it is only recommended when the conservative treatments stop working and the pain is consistent. Back surgery helps relieve any pain or numbness that shoots up and down your arms or legs. Pain and numbness are usual symptoms that are caused due to compressed nerves in your spine. The nerves may get compressed for many reasons like-

  1. Disc problems – Ruptured or herniated disks can get pressed tightly against a spinal nerve and begin to affect its function
  2. Overgrowth of bone – Osteoarthritis results in bone spurs on your spine. The excess bone will usually affect the hinge joints that are located at the back of the spinal column and it can narrow the space, which allows the nerves to pass through the spine.

It can be challenging to spot the exact cause of back pain, even if the X-Rays show that you have disk problems or bone spurs. Usually, the bone spurs or herniated disks will need non-surgical treatments and they will have minimal symptoms.

Benefits of spine surgery:

The results are much more than reduced pain, here are some of the vital benefits you will find post back surgery-

  1. You can move around better, and experience less pain
  2. Physically fit
  3. Mood improves
  4. Less requirement for pain medication
  5. You can go back to your daily routine
  6. More productive at work