Have you or someone you love been having back problems? Back pain can make life very difficult, stopping you from doing your favorite activities and making it tough to get through the day. However, interventions like backbone surgery isn’t for everyone.
When treatments like medicine or physical therapy do not help much, surgery might be the next step to consider. We are here to help you understand which options you have when it comes to treating back pain.
What is Backbone Surgery?
Backbone surgery involves procedures done on the spine. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae and discs that sit in between them. This whole structure supports your body, allowing you to stand, bend, and twist.
Sometimes, parts of the spine can get injured or worn out, causing pain. Backbone surgery can fix these problems. It is important to note that spinal surgeons reserve such procedures as a last resort.
You might sometimes hear the words cervical, thoracic, or lumbar before the name of the surgery. These words simply tell you the part of the spine that will be surgically treated. Cervical refers to the upper back and neck, meaning cervical fusion is a surgery for that area of the spine.
Thoracic refers to the middle part of the spine. Lastly, the lumbar is the lower back. So, if you hear lumbar laminectomy, for example, it is a procedure for the lower area of the spine.
Types of Backbone Surgery
When the backbone needs fixing, doctors can do several types of surgeries. Each kind has its own way of helping solve back problems.
Below are five common types of back surgery.
1. Fusion
When the space between two vertebrae has inflammation or damage, it can cause a lot of pain in that area. In spinal fusion surgery, doctors join these bones together, so they do not move anymore.
It is like gluing two puzzle pieces together to ensure they stay put. Spinal fusion surgery can help stop the pain caused by the bones rubbing against each other.
2. Disc Replacement
Discs work like cushions between vertebrae. Sometimes, these discs can get damaged or deteriorate, which can end up causing a lot of pain.
In disc replacement surgery, doctors remove the damaged disc and put in an artificial one that acts in its place. This new disc helps the back move smoothly and without pain.
3. Laminectomy
The spine has a tunnel called the spinal canal, where nerves go through. If this tunnel gets too tight, it can squeeze the nerves and cause pain.
During a laminectomy, doctors remove part of the bone around the tunnel to give the nerves more space. This surgery can help relieve pressure and pain.
4. Microdiscectomy
This surgery is a bit like disc replacement but is used for a specific problem called a herniated disc. A herniated disc refers to when a part of a disc pushes out from its structure and presses on nerves.
In a microdiscectomy, doctors remove the part of the disc that is causing trouble. It is a precise way to ease pain without removing the whole disc.
Finding the Best Spine Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for your spine surgery is important. You want someone who is skilled and makes you feel comfortable. Here are some steps to help you find the best spine surgeon.
1. Ask for Recommendations
Start by talking to your primary care doctor. They know your health and can suggest surgeons who are good at fixing spinal issues. You can also ask friends or family members who have had spine surgery for provider recommendations.
2. Check the Surgeon’s Experience
Look for a surgeon who has performed the surgery you need many times in the past. More experience usually means they are better at handling different situations. You can ask them how many times they have done the surgery and about their training to get an idea of their experience level.
3. Check Out Reviews
Nowadays, you can find what other patients say about a surgeon online. Look for reviews to see if past patients are happy with their surgery and how they were treated by the surgeon and supporting staff.
4. Meet the Surgeon
Before deciding, meet with the surgeon. This is your chance to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable with them. You can ask about their experience, the surgery itself, and how they help patients get better before and after the procedure.
5. Check the Hospital Quality
The hospital where your surgery will take place matters, too. Better hospitals have fewer complications and higher success rates. Ask where the surgeon performs their surgeries and look up how well that hospital is rated.
6. Insurance Coverage
Make sure the surgeon and hospital accept your insurance. This can help lower how much you have to pay out of pocket. You can call your insurance company or the surgeon’s office to check on coverage issues.
Finding the right surgeon takes some work, but it is worth it to make sure you get the best care and have the best chance of feeling better after your surgery.
Top-Notch Backbone Surgery in Rochester Hills, MI
Backbone surgery can offer a way to get relief from back pain and improve your quality of life. It is important to get all the facts and talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you.
You can trust Ahlgren Spine if you need top-notch backbone surgery near you. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren is a highly skilled board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. He will make sure you get the care you need. You may call us at (248) 215-8080 or submit an appointment request form to schedule a visit.
Let us help you get the back pain relief you need and deserve. We look forward to serving you!
