If you are struggling with constant back pain, you are not alone. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we understand the burden of living with persistent discomfort. Established in 2003 by Dr. Michael Rauzzino, our practice focuses on advanced microsurgical treatments for a wide range of neurological and spine conditions. We aim to guide you toward a pain-free life, providing both surgical and non-surgical solutions to address your unique needs.
The Prevalence of Back Pain in the U.S.
Back pain is a common health issue and one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It is estimated that up to 80% of individuals will encounter back problems at some point in their lives. Annually, 13.8% of the U.S. population endures back pain lasting at least two weeks. It represents up to 3% of all physician visits and ranks as the second most common reason for hospitalizations.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain can arise from various causes, such as muscle strain, herniated discs, or age-related conditions, such as degenerative disc disease. Symptoms range from dull aches to sharp, shooting pain that might extend to your legs. Overlooking these signs may result in more serious conditions, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential. A proper evaluation by a spine surgeon helps in identifying the root cause, enabling effective treatment planning that can help to prevent further complications.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Back Pain
Before considering back surgery, exploring non-surgical treatments is vital. These conservative approaches include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes. Pain management, through medications or epidural steroid injections, can also help provide significant relief and improve overall quality of life. These options aim to reduce pain and enhance mobility without the need for surgery, allowing many patients to return to their daily routines more comfortably.
Indicators for Surgical Intervention
While non-surgical methods can be effective, there are instances when surgery becomes necessary. When persistent pain fails to respond to conservative treatments, or if there is significant damage or disease, surgical intervention may be required.
In many cases, back surgery can be performed using minimally-invasive surgical techniques. This complex surgery utilizes highly specialized and extremely small surgical tools that can be inserted through openings that are often less than a few centimeters wide. This type of surgery is often associated with reduced downtime, less post-operative pain, and lower surgical risks, making it a preferred option for many patients.
If you are considering spine surgery, it is important to seek expert care from an experienced, board-certified spine surgeon. This ensures they have undergone rigorous training and have the necessary expertise to tailor treatments to your unique needs.
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons draw on years of advanced training and innovative treatments to ensure you get the best care possible. We prioritize patient education and will ensure you’re fully informed about all available options.
Common Spine Surgeries in Lone Tree, CO
When surgery is the best course of action, the expert team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery offers a wide range of procedures tailored to your specific condition. Some common back surgeries we perform are:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves by removing a damaged disc.
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: Aimed at alleviating pain caused by compressed nerves in the lower back.
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive spinal surgery designed to relieve nerve compression pain or sciatica, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg.
- Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty/Replacement: Involves replacing a degenerated disc with an artificial one to maintain motion in the spine.
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: Minimally invasive surgeries designed to restore and strengthen the spine following spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Each surgical procedure aims to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. Most of these procedures also benefit from fewer surgical risks and less recovery time due to minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Choosing surgery for back and neck pain is a significant decision, and it should always be considered a last resort. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our specialists ensure that you have explored all non-surgical options before recommending surgery.
Back Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
If you’re suffering from back pain, seeking expert advice is the first step towards recovery. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our caring professionals to explore your options for relief.
Call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our convenient online form to schedule your consultation. We have five convenient locations in Colorado to serve you, including Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Parker, and Castle Rock. Take control of your health today and reach out to our board-certified spine surgeons for more information.
