Spine surgery refers to a variety of procedures performed for spine-related back problems. It includes spinal fusion surgery, disc replacement surgery, microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty, and laminectomy.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for Americans to seek back surgery. Let’s talk about who can benefit from spine surgery and where you can go to determine your suitability for back surgery in and around Lone Tree, Colorado.
Those Diagnosed with a Spine Problem That Is Not Getting Better with Conservative Measures
Spine surgery is commonly performed to correct structural problems of the spine resulting in back pain that does not improve with conservative treatments. Examples include:
Disc Problems
Discs refer to intervertebral discs which are the spongy cushions present between the bones of the spine. The intervertebral discs absorb shock, keep the spine stable, and give the bones of the spine (vertebrae) a pivot point to allow movements. Intervertebral discs are made of two parts – an inner jelly part, and an outer elastic part which encloses the inner jelly part.
Disc problems, like disc strain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or ruptured discs are some of the most common reasons to seek back surgery.
These disc problems result in a significant amount of pain that is uncomfortable at best and disabling at worst. Most back pain is resolved within three months with conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, icing, and cortisone injection. However, in some cases,when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, spine surgery is recommended.
Bone Overgrowth
Osteoarthritis is a common spine problem that can result in bone overgrowth, often called bone spurs,on your spine. A bone spur can reduce the amount of space available to the nerves to pass through the spinal opening, which can cause pain and nerve issues. Spinal surgery removes overgrowth and addresses pain.
Spinal Stenosis
In this spinal problem, the spinal canal –which is the space in which the spinal cord resides – becomes narrow. This narrowing of the canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing severe back pain.
Spine surgeries like laminectomy and foraminotomy relieve the pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves and provide pain relief.
Spinal Tumor
This is a rare condition, but when it occurs, it can be life-threatening. The tumor can press the nearby nerves and spinal cord, causing neurological problems, and even spread to other areas of the body. Spinal surgery can remove the tumorsand provide lasting relief.
Those Who Have Limited Mobility Due to Back Pain
Back pain can have a significant impact on your mobility. Chronic back pain makes it difficult to perform certain body movements, such as bending forward, twisting, or reaching. This limited range of motion restricts your ability to perform day-to-day tasks including work tasks, household chores, or recreational activities that require mobility and exertion.
Back surgery addresses the underlying cause of the back pain and thereby improves an individual’s mobility and enhances their overall quality of life.
Back Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
If you are suffering from debilitating back or neck pain and have received a diagnosis of a back problem that is not responding to conservative measures, visit us here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgeryto determine if you are a candidate for back surgery.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and spine surgeons will work with you and thoroughly assess your unique spine condition and injury to determine your candidacy for spine surgery. Our surgeons use advanced techniques and procedures including minimally invasive techniques to treat back pain, neck pain, and other conditions of the nervous system.
If you have any questions about the services we offer at our neurosurgery center or would like to make a one-on-one consultation with one of our spine surgeons or neurosurgeons, contact us today at (303) 790-1800 or book a visit with our providers using our secure appointment request form. We look forward to relieving your back pain!
