Back pains can be irritating and affect your daily routine. Fortunately, there are treatments available to relieve this pain. Sometimes, this pain can subside with some rest. However, there are also cases when pain persists even with medication. Such situations call for immediate medical care and, depending on the cause, may even require spine surgery.
Your Spine
The spine runs from the base of your skull down to the pelvis in the middle of the back. It is a series of bones stacked on top of each other, similar to how building blocks work. The spine has three regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Your spine:
- Protects the spinal cord, a bundle of nerve fibers that connects body parts to the brain.
- Keeps you upright by supporting your body weight.
- It allows you to stand up and move.
Therefore, an injury to the spine can severely impact the way you function and move as well as put your life in danger. Pain in your spine should be taken seriously and receive medical attention to avoid further severe complications.
When to Get Spine Surgery
In severe cases or when your back pain does not subside with non-invasive treatments, surgery may become a necessity. Your doctor will evaluate your spine before suggesting a specific spine surgery.
Here are some reasons why you may need spine surgery:
Spinal Fracture
An injury to your back can cause a spinal fracture. This means a bone in your spine has broken into two or more pieces. Depending on the severity, this can cause you pain, affect your walking, or worse, cause paralysis. A surgeon can perform a spinal fusion to join the bones in your back and prevent further problems.
Tumor
Spinal tumors are uncommon. Due to this and the fact that their symptoms often resemble those of other conditions, some doctors can overlook them. However, once identified, the surgeon may recommend surgery to remove spinal tumors. Depending on where the tumor grows, the operation may have risks of damaging the spinal cord or nearby nerves, so only an experienced surgeon should perform this procedure.
Spinal Stenosis
As you age, the spinal canal in your lower back may narrow, causing spinal stenosis. Surgery is performed to decompress the spinal canal.
Herniated Disc
Discs are the cushions that separate the bones in your spine. When these discs are herniated or ruptured, they can press against a spinal nerve, affecting its function and causing a host of symptoms. Surgery is often performed to correct a herniated disc.
Damaged Nerves
If damaged nerves fail to heal with physical therapy and medication, your doctor may recommend surgery. To correct this issue, a surgeon will remove the damaged section and will connect healthy nerve ends or implant a nerve fragment taken from another part of your body.
Spine Surgery in Colorado
The spine plays a vital role in your bodily functions. If you experience pain in your back or extremities that does not subside with rest or medication, seek medical care immediately.
Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery works to provide the best solution for your back problems. Dr. Rauzzino and Dr. Boyer are board-certified neurosurgeons skilled in all areas of neurology and in performing neurosurgical operations, including spine surgeries.
We have three branches in Colorado to serve you in: Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. You may request an appointment by calling us at (303) 790-1800. You may also request an appointment online.
