- 11 May, 2023
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What are the signs that indicate the need for spine surgery
Overview:
This blog post is about the signs that could indicate you need back surgery. It is important to know that surgery is usually the last option after less invasive treatments have been tried. This Blog gives a short overview of the signs and symptoms that may mean you need spine surgery. These include pain that lasts or gets worse, numbness or weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, trouble standing or walking, and structural deformity. The Blog says how important it is to talk to a qualified spine Surgeon to find out if spine surgery is needed and to look into all treatment choices before making a decision.
When Do You Need Spine Surgery?
When a person presents with symptoms of extreme discomfort, we typically advise them to first consult their primary care physician. In cases of lower back or neck pain, we may monitor the situation over time and encourage the individual to maintain regular physical activity, with the hope that the problem will resolve on its own. If the issue persists despite physical activity, over-the-counter treatments, or pain management and anti-inflammatory medication, we recommend seeking medical attention.
Most of the time, people with back problems are told to try methods that don’t involve Spine surgery. Some of these are physical treatment, exercises you can do at home, medicines, and sometimes spinal injections. Spine Surgery is only considered if these other treatments don’t work.
However, if a patient is experiencing significant neurogenic pain in the extremities and non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective, surgery may be the best option. For those with symptoms related to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, such as severe weakness in a limb, we may recommend surgical intervention if non-surgical treatments have not provided relief.
Differences: Traditional Vs. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery includes making a large cut in the back muscles for access to the damaged part of the spine. The muscles are then pulled apart, and the Spine Surgeon in Dubai can see the spine and any broken structures. Traditional spine surgery may require a lot of muscle damage, which can take a long time to heal and recover from.
In contrast, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses smaller cuts and specialised tools for access to the spine. This technique aims to minimize damage to the surrounding tissues and muscles, resulting in less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
During MISS, a surgeon will use specialized instruments such as an endoscope or a microscope, to visualize the area of the spine that requires treatment. Instead of cutting through the muscles and tissue, the surgeon gently pushes them aside, allowing access to the spine.
Overall, the key difference between traditional and minimally invasive spine surgery is the size and extent of the incision and the level of tissue damage. Minimally invasive spine surgery is often associated with less pain, quicker recovery, and reduced risk of complications, making it a popular option for many patients. However, not all spine conditions can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional Spine surgery may still be required in some cases.
Type Of Conditions Treated By Spine Surgeon In Abu Dhabi
spine surgeon in Abu Dhabi is trained to treat a wide range of spinal conditions, both through surgical and non-surgical methods. Here are some of the specific conditions that a spine surgeon in Abu Dhabi can treat:
1. Lumbar Disc Herniation:
Lumbar Disc Herniation condition occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the lower back become damaged or bulge out, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. A spine surgeon can treat Lumbar Disc Herniation condition through various surgical techniques, including microdiscectomy or laminectomy.
2. Cervical Disc Herniation:
Cervical Disc Herniation condition is similar to lumbar disc herniation, but it occurs in the neck area. It can cause neck pain, numbness or weakness in the arms, and sometimes even difficulty with balance. Spine surgeon can perform a cervical discectomy with connection or an artificial disc replacement to relieve these symptoms.
3. Lumbar Canal Stenosis:
Lumbar Canal Stenosis disease is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain and weakness in the legs. A spine surgeon may do a decompressive laminectomy or laminotomy to take pressure off the nerves.
4. Sciatica:
Sciatica is a common disease that happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, gets pinched or irritated. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. A spine surgeon may recommend Spine surgery if conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, are not effective.
5. Lumbar Spondylolisthesis:
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis condition occurs when one vertebra in the lower back slips forward onto the one below it, causing pain and instability. spine surgeon can perform spinal fusion to stabilize the affected vertebrae and alleviate symptoms.
6. Chiari Malformation:
Chiari Malformation is a rare disease that happens when the cerebellum, which is the lower part of the brain, moves up into the spinal canal. This can lead to headaches, neck pain, and problems with balance and agility, among other things. A spine expert may suggest spine surgery to relieve pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord.
Types Of Spine Surgery Are Offered By Dr. Arun Rajeswaran
Procedure Of Spine Treatment
Procedures for treating the spine can change based on the condition being treated. Here are a few of the most usual things spine surgeons do:
1. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:
This is a type of surgery that uses small cuts and special tools to cause less damage to the surrounding tissues. Compared to traditional open surgery, this method can lead to less pain and a faster recovery.
2. Anterior Cervical Discectomy:
During this operation, a small cut is made in the front of the neck to remove a herniated or damaged disc. The disc is changed with a bone transplant to help the two vertebrae next to it join together.
3. Cervical Spine Fusion Surgery:
This surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae in the neck to stabilize the spine and take pressure off the spinal cord or nerves. Best Spine Surgeon in Dubai uses bone grafts or implants to join the vertebrae together.
4. Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery:
This procedure includes removing a damaged disc in the neck and replacing it with an artificial disc to keep the spine flexible. This can be an alternative to fusion surgery for some people.
5. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Spine Fusion Surgery:
This procedure involves removing a damaged disc in the lower back through an incision in the abdomen. The disc is replaced with a bone graft or implant to stabilize the spine.
6. Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery:
During this surgery, a broken disc in the lower back is removed through an incision in the back. A bone graft or implant is used to replace the disc and keep the spine stable
7. Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery:
This procedure includes removing a damaged disc in the lower back and replacing it with an artificial disc to keep the spine flexible.
8. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery:
This Procedure includes removing a damaged disc in the lower back and fusing two nearby vertebrae together with bone grafts or implants.
9. Spinal Cord Stimulation:
This is a non-surgical procedure that includes putting a device under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to relieve chronic pain.
10. Epidural Steroid Injections:
This is a minimally invasive process in which a steroid medicine is injected into the epidural space of the spine to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
11. Peripheral Nerve Surgery:
This requires surgery to fix or decompress a damaged peripheral nerve, such as the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and other symptoms in the legs.
It’s crucial to choose a surgeon who is board certified in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery and has specialized training in spinal surgery.
Things To Consider While Choosing Good Spine Surgeon
When it comes to choosing a good spine surgeon, there are several important factors to consider. Here are five key points to keep in mind:
- Qualifications and expertise: It’s crucial to choose a surgeon who is board certified in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery and has specialized training in spinal surgery.
- Experience: Consider a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing the specific type of spinal surgery you need, as this can greatly affect your outcome.
- Communication and trust: Choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns, explains the procedure clearly, and makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
- Technology and approach: Look for a surgeon who uses the latest technology and surgical techniques to perform spinal surgery with greater precision and less risk.
- Post-operative care and follow-up: Ensure that the surgeon has a comprehensive plan for post-operative care, including pain management and rehabilitation, and that they will be available for follow-up appointments and ongoing care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several signs that may mean you need spine surgery. These include constant pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs, loss of feeling or weak muscles, trouble keeping your balance or walking, and problems with your bladder or bowel. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a qualified health care provider who can do a thorough evaluation and suggest the best treatment choices, which may include spine surgery. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your chances of getting better and stop further damage to your spine.
Frequently Asking Questions About Spine Surgery
What is spine surgery?
What exercises should I do after Spine Surgery?
Walking is the preferred exercise until you see your surgeon at follow-up.
How much pain should I expect after the surgery?
We can’t make the whole process painless, but new techniques and innovations in spine surgery are helping us reduce more pain than before. Most of the time, the pain is worst in the first few days and gets better over time. Within a week or two of surgery, patients start to feel better than they did before the treatment.
Which type of spine surgery is the most commonly performed?
Cervical spine surgeries, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACF), and posterior cervical surgeries are some of the most common spine surgeries done in Abu Dhabi
Which type of spine surgery has the highest success rate?
Spine fusion is one of the most popular surgeries. It is used to treat degenerative disc disease, spinal fracture, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and kyphosis. About 80% to 85% of people who get a spinal fusion do well with it.
What is the expected duration of the surgery?
The most common surgeries take between one and three hours. Some treatments take longer, but those that do take longer are called “complex spine reconstructions,” and they aren’t needed very often.