When Should You Opt for Spine Surgery? 5 Reasons to Consider

Spine surgery may sound daunting and frightening, but it is often considered a last resort for various reasons. However, in some cases, spinal surgery is the best option to address the problem. How do you know that it's the right time to seek spine surgery? In this blog post, we discuss five reasons why you might need spine surgery.

Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. The pain could be an indication of a spinal condition that may require surgery. When traditional methods like physiotherapy, medication, or injections fail to provide relief, surgery can help alleviate pain. For example, spinal stenosis, a spinal cord condition, can cause chronic pain that requires surgical intervention.

Loss of Mobility 

If you experience a gradual loss of mobility, surgery might be the best option for you. Loss of mobility could be due to herniated discs, which is an issue when the soft material in the spine's discs pushes out through a crack or tear in the disc. This can lead to pressure or pinching of nearby nerves that cause restricted movement. Spinal surgery can help relieve pain and restore your mobility.

Trauma and Injuries 

Accidents and injuries that affect the spinal cord can cause spinal instability, fractures, and dislocations. Spinal surgery can help stabilise the spine and prevent further damage. For example, if you experience a herniated disc or a spinal cord compression due to a traumatic injury, surgery may be the best option.

Degenerative Diseases 

Degenerative disc disorders, such as disc protrusions and herniations, may require surgery when your condition worsens. Common degenerative spinal conditions include spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis. Though treatment for these conditions may begin with medication, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatments, surgery may be the last resort.

Cancer 

Spinal surgery may also be recommended when dealing with tumours and cancer that affect the spinal cord. This type of surgery aims to remove the tumour or alleviate the symptoms caused by the cancer. Back pain, loss of sensation, or a loss of bladder and bowel control are common symptoms. Surgical intervention may help relieve these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Spinal surgery can seem daunting and scary, but it is often the best option to address various spinal conditions. Consulting with a spinal surgeon can help determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation. The right surgeon and a thorough understanding of the procedure can help put your mind at ease and help you achieve better health, mobility, and a better quality of life.