Do I really need surgery to get rid of my back pain?
Do I really need surgery to get rid of my back pain?
Back surgery can help relieve some causes of back pain, but it’s rarely necessary. Most back pain resolves on its own within three months. Low back pain is one of the most common ailments seen by family doctors.
What type of back pain requires surgery?
Below are some of the conditions that may warrant back surgery: A slipped disk that doesn’t correct itself. Bone spurs or bone overgrowth in the spine. Degenerative spinal problems, such as stenosis, that cause pain and weakness.
What is the most effective treatment for back pain?
Medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are most effective in reducing pain and swelling associated with muscle-related lower back pain.
How can I fix lower back pain without surgery?
Try these tips to relieve back pain without surgery
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Get enough calcium (but not too much)
- Achieve a healthy weight.
- Consider acupuncture.
- Ask your doctor about biofeedback.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Skip the stilettos.
- Practice yoga.
What type of doctor treats back pain?
Orthopedists. Orthopedic doctors and surgeons are trained experts in the healing functions relative to the musculoskeletal system. This type of doctor is board certified and can help to treat any issues you may have with pain in the neck, spine, disc-related pain, and other common back pain complaints.
Why should you avoid back surgery?
One of the primary reasons why back surgery should be avoided is the risk. All surgeries carry the risk of infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve injury. Not to mention many people don’t like being put under general anesthesia or that they may have to use potentially addictive pills to manage the pain after surgery.
How painful is back surgery?
After surgery, you will feel pain from your wound, swelling around the nerves, and general swelling around the wound. After surgery, pain is no longer achy and arthritic but stems from wound healing, swelling and inflammation. You will experience some pain outside of the hospital.
Which is better for lower back pain surgery or physical therapy?
Initially, treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis to relieve lower back pain includes what doctors call conservative measures. These include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, and sometimes corticosteroid spinal injections. If symptoms don’t improve, surgery is often the next step.
Which is better back surgery or spinal stenosis?
However, studies suggest that a year of conservative therapy is about as effective as discectomy. Therefore, the decision to have discectomy depends on whether you prefer more immediate pain relief. Spinal stenosis is a common problem in the aging spine. Stenosis means the space around the spinal cord has narrowed.
How to treat back pain before back surgery?
For new back pain or a recurrence of an existing back pain condition, try these measures before surgery: Wait. Apply ice and heat. Take pain relievers as needed. Stay physically active. Stretch and strengthen gently.
What kind of back surgery do you need?
Laminectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the bone overlying the spinal canal. It enlarges the spinal canal and is performed to relieve nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis. Fusion. Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more bones in your spine.