Back surgery is a major procedure that carries risk and the possibility of complications. Living with chronic pain sometimes forces people to make uninformed decisions to get the relief they seek. However, most back and spine specialists will agree that back surgery should be a last resort after exhausting all other treatment options.
Getting a second opinion gives you more information to make an educated decision about your treatment, which can ultimately lead to a better outcome. Our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can evaluate your medical records and meet with you to provide a second opinion before your back surgery.
Reasons for Failed Back Surgeries
Back surgeries can fail for various reasons ranging from inexperience to human error. Getting a second opinion helps remove many of the following reasons for failed back surgeries, allowing patients to make an informed decision before they undergo risky back surgery.
Poor Quality Candidate for Surgery
Whether because of inexperience or incompetence, some doctors recommend people undergo back surgery when they are not the best candidates. For example, people who have multiple levels of disc degeneration are often not good candidates for surgery because they lose too much mobility after the procedure.
If you seek out a second opinion, a doctor can give you a physical exam and thoroughly review your medical history to ensure back surgery is the right option. If you are a poor candidate for back surgery, a second opinion can help you avoid a situation that could become worse.
Misdiagnosis
Many failed back surgeries occur because a doctor makes an incorrect diagnosis. A second opinion can result in a correct diagnosis, ensuring that a patient gets the right treatment for their condition. Surgeons have different methods to determine the source of back pain. Some rely on imaging like MRIs and CT Scans, while others only use clinical observations. The doctor that gives you a second opinion can review your initial diagnosis and ensure that it’s correct, drastically increasing the likelihood of success if you undergo back surgery.
Surgical Error
Orthopedic surgeons undergo years of training. Yet, they can still make errors. Back surgery is not always simple, and each person’s body structure and medical history presents distinctive challenges. A second opinion from a dedicated spine specialist, like those at NJ Spine & Orthopedic, provides a chance to let a specialist carefully review your diagnosis and treatment plan.
A Second Opinion Provides Peace of Mind
Back pain emerges as a symptom from various injuries and disorders. Diagnosing the right problem and treatment plan can be a complex process that leaves patients worried, frustrated, and unclear about what’s to come.
Getting a second opinion typically provides a clearer picture of the situation, giving a patient peace of mind and making it easier to undergo back surgery. Feeling confident in one’s decision to undergo back surgery makes it more likely to follow the doctor’s orders after the procedure, resulting in a successful back surgery.
Contact the Experienced Back and Spine Specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today
Sometimes, patients may need spinal surgery to correct their back issues. Most doctors welcome a second opinion so that their patients can make an educated decision about their treatment options. The experienced back and spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can evaluate your situation and advise you on which treatments are best for you. We are also here for those who are seeking a second opinion.
We can review your medical history and perform additional tests and examinations to ensure you have the correct diagnosis and have been presented with the right options for treatment. Contact us online or at (866) 553-0612 to learn more about the best treatment option for your back pain. Our Concierge Team can also help manage your appointments and treatment schedule to alleviate your stress.