It is estimated that 16% of the population suffers from back problems and an impressive 70-90% will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. In many cases, the pain can be dealt with and the issue resolved with the right exercises and changes in lifestyle. But, this is not always the case.
In some instances, you will need to see a reputable and qualified spine surgeon to have the issue assessed further and a solution proposed. It should be noted that while spine surgery has progressed dramatically in recent years, there are still some conditions that can’t be resolved through surgery. You can meet a doctor who is specialist in pain management washington dc.
What Spine Surgery Can’t Do
One thing is certain, spine surgery is never an option if your surgeon is unable to pinpoint the cause of your pain. This may sound surprising but many people are diagnosed with non-specific back pain. In short, the doctor doesn’t know what is causing the pain.
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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is when the discs in your spine are slowly disintegrating. This is a disease that usually eases with time although it can cause movement issues, especially if the disc is completely worn away.
Surgery cannot help with this.
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Injuries To The Spinal Cord
These are usually a result of trauma, such as a car accident or an injury at work. The result is damage to the spinal cord itself which surgery is currently unable to repair. If you have a spinal cord injury surgery may be performed but this is to limit the damage, not rectify what has already happened.
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Damage From Smoking
Long-term smoking causes damage to the tissues around the spine, reducing their ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients. This can often result in back pain and it can’t be fixed by surgery.
Things Surgery Can Do
The good news is that surgery can help with most other causes of back pain. That includes:
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Structural Issues
If the bones or joints in your spine are misaligned or fractured and not healing, spinal surgery can help you. There are several options available but they often involve a surgical balloon!
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Nerve Compression
Nerve compression is when a nerve in your back is being compressed by something. There are several possible causes of the compression. Your surgeon will work out what is causing it first and then can usually operate to rectify the issue. This results in the immediate reduction of pain.
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Spinal Cysts & Tumors
Growths on the spine are usually benign and are simply cysts or tumors. In most cases, spinal surgery can remove the mass and reduce or eliminate the pain you are experiencing. However, it can be a dangerous procedure depending on what part of the spine is affected.
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Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine and surgery is an option. However, it should be noted that it is not always successful.
Don’t forget, all types of spinal surgery carry risks. Make sure you chat with your surgeon and put your mind at rest before they undertake the procedure.
