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Back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. In the spine, discs, bones, nerves, muscles, and arthritis are all possible pain-inducing factors. If you are in a lot of pain, it is common that you might be thinking about surgery. But, not all of these delicate locations and developing issues can be resolved through surgery. In reality, nonsurgical treatments for back pain are effective in treating more than 90% of cases.
5 Warning Signs for Back Pain
Signs that need immediate medical attention include:
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs.
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Loss of bowel or bladder control.
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Stiffness in your back or legs.
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A recent, severe blow to your back or spine.
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Back pain that doesn’t get better after two weeks.
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please visit a top hospital for back pain treatment in Salem at the earliest. You can book an appointment and consult with an Orthopaedic - Spine Care Consultant at Manipal Hospital Salem.
Non-Surgical Methods to Relieve Back Pain
Many different types of conservative measures can be effective for most back pain issues, including exercise, physical therapy, massage, heat, chiropractic care, acupuncture, injections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tai chi and Pilates methods work best in order to relieve lower back pain.
Surgery may be an option for some people to correct a structural problem or serious spinal cord injury or relieve pain but is recommended only when other treatments have failed and the pain is severe. Thus, it is important to speak to your doctor about all of your treatment options.
When Does a Doctor Recommend Surgery for Severe Back Pain?
Clinical findings that indicate the need for back surgery are as follows:
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Damaged, broken, or dislocated bones.
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Spinal bone spurs/bone overgrowth.
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Spinal infections and tumours in the spinal cord.
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Slipped disks that don’t get healed on their own.
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Degenerative problems in the spine like stenosis.
Surgical Procedures for Severe Back Pain/Spinal Cord Injury
If your doctor recommends disc surgery, here are a few types that may be performed.
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Laminectomy
The most common procedure for back pain is a Laminectomy, in which the lamina, or back of the vertebra, is removed to take pressure off the spinal cord and nerves. A laminectomy may also be called a decompression. In some cases, a laminectomy may be combined with a spinal fusion. This can be done by placing a bone graft around the damaged disk to fuse the vertebrae or using metal rods and screws to hold the vertebrae together. As laminectomy is usually an outpatient procedure, it means you will be able to go home the very same day.
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Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a more invasive procedure and may require a hospital stay of several days. Recovery from a laminectomy or spinal fusion can take several weeks. You will likely need to take it easy for the first few days after surgery and gradually increase your activity level as your pain improves.
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Discectomy
A Discectomy involves removing the herniated, damaged portion of a disc to relieve nerve root or spinal cord compression. Discectomy may be done using a traditional open incision or a less invasive procedure using a small incision and specialized instruments.
After back surgery, you may be able to return to normal activities in 2 to 4 weeks. Or, you may need 6 to 8 weeks to heal. It depends on the procedure and the individual.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce your likelihood of developing back pain. Maintain healthy body weight, engage in regular exercise, eat a nutritious diet, and quit toxic lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption to keep up the health of your spine and overall health.
Consult an orthopaedic spine surgeon in Salem if you require treatment for your back problems.
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