Suffering from back pain and wondering if surgery is the way to go? Well here is the cold hard truth. Back surgery should not be your first or only option. You should first check out your back surgery alternatives.
There are many types of surgery for the back. Here are a few: Spinal Fusion, Laminectomy, Foraminotomy, Discectomy, Disc Replacement and Interlaminar. The type of surgery obviously depends on your specific symptoms.
Along with these types of operations, advances in surgical techniques has made operations less invasive, resulting in less risk, speedier recovery and shorter hospital stays. Also all this means a better chance of a successful operation and elimination of your back / spinal problems.
This is all great news and certainly surgery is a very viable option. But there are also risks involved in any surgical procedure, e.g.. blood clots, infections, reactions to medications and anesthesia and nerve damage.
Many times the surgery is successful, but the pain continues. There is even a term to describe this. It is called “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome”. Some statistics claim that the failure rate is as high as seventy-four percent!
The biggest reason is the fact that back pain is very hard to identify.
The back and spine is a very complex system of nerves, muscles, bones and ligaments. Even with the best diagnostic tools it is very hard to pin point the problem. Also many times the muscles and nerves have been inflamed for so long that recovery is very slow if at all.
I also think that too many patients, and for that matter doctors, see surgery as the only solution. Back pain sufferers believe that all they have to do is have an operation and presto the pain is gone.
While that is true for some, for many the pain is still there.
I know people who have had back pain and surgery. Based on their experiences, here are my suggestions. Now I am no expert, so take these ideas as based on one person’s observation and research.
However many studies have concluded that anyone suffering from back pain should consider the following suggestions before resorting to surgery.
- Rest: Many times simply resting for a few day and taking over the counter painkillers will alleviate the problem.
- Lose weight: The amount of stress a few extra pounds of weight places on the back is enormous, and although this is a long term solution, and results will not be felt for some time. It is definitely a good course of action.
- Exercise: Again, like losing weight, this will take time, but again the results are worth it. Walking is probably the best single thing you can do for a bad back. There are also specific exercises for your particular back problem.
- Avoidance: Learn what types of activities cause the back pain and avoid them. Sounds easy I know, but hard to do in practice. For me shoveling snow can set off my back. So if I have to shovel I use an ergonomic shovel, take smaller scoops and rest frequently. Of course moving further South would solve this problem!
So the cold hard truth is surgery is a viable option. But in my opinion taking an alternative approach and exploring these non- surgical options first is the way to go.
Your comments or questions below are always welcome.
This topic really hits home for me. I have struggled with back pain for over 30 years, since I hurt my back in my early 20’s. I have had all the tests and still to this day, surgery was not something I ever wanted to consider. I have found different ways to deal with my back when it is at it’s worst. Exercise, stretching and constantly making sure that things that I do don’t irritate it. I do thing people rush into surgery and expect a miracle just like you said. A surgeon once told me yes I know what is wrong with your back and I could do surgery, but you will never be the same. That was my answer. So for me, I choose alternatives. Great post.
Good for you Coralie! You probably made the right decisionsI. Thank you so much for your great contribution here.
Roland