Having a healthy spine may be what you started with, but as you age, so does the spine, and that includes the spinal discs (which absorb shock in the spine), and the joints, which may start to develop wear and tear. This is why neck and back pain become more common with age.
Spinal surgery is a major medical procedure that can be used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the spine, from a herniated disc and sciatica to spinal stenosis. Having such issues with the spine can cause pain, reduced mobility, and low quality of life.
Spine surgery becomes a consideration if the doctor determines that your life has been severely limited by your spine condition and non-surgical methods do not bring adequate relief. While it may seem intimidating, spine surgery can now be completed using a minimally invasive technique, which involves the use of smaller tools and the need for only small incisions.
In this article, we will talk about the benefits provided by spinal surgery.
Relief from Severe and Chronic Pain
Spinal surgery provides long-term relief from chronic pain by addressing its underlying cause rather than just masking the symptoms. Spine surgeons can use different techniques to fix specific spine issues, such as a laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and discectomy and fusion. Spinal surgery can relieve pain associated with a herniated disc, arthritis, sciatica, and much more.
An Improved Ability to Move
The most common form of spinal surgery involves fusion – which entails fusing two or more vertebrae together through a bone graft and holding them in place with metal plates or screws. Fusion can help stabilize areas affected by the disease, and it also helps relieve pressure on nerves, which are irritated and send pain signals to the brain. The results of fusion surgery are significantly felt by patients who have been physically impaired by their spine condition. As a result of improved alignment and stabilization, they are allowed increased flexibility and range of motion.
A Restored Quality of Life
Finally, one of the most important benefits offered by spinal surgery is restoring the quality of life for those who have been severely limited by their symptoms. By relieving pressure on nerves in the spine and improving alignment between vertebrae, individuals can get back to living life more easily, engage in activities they enjoy, return to work, and generally live a healthier lifestyle overall.
Spinal surgery offers numerous advantages when it comes to treating various spine conditions affecting mobility and quality of life. However, to have the best possible outcomes, choose an orthopedic spine surgeon that is board-certified and fellowship-trained to ensure a thoroughly trained and vetted doctor is performing your surgery.
Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon in Rochester Hills, MI
Dr. Bradley Ahlgren of Ahlgren Spine is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery. Dr. Ahlgren will determine if you can benefit from spinal surgery and plan your treatment for greater success.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, call our office today at (248) 215-8080, or use our convenient online form.
