Back pain is a common reason why people visit their doctors. We recommend conventional treatments, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, to bring relief in many cases.
However, there are situations where the patient may require surgical treatment. Spinal deformity, spinal infections, trauma, spine tumors, and degenerative spine conditions are some spinal conditions that require surgery.
When Should I Consider Back Surgery
Learning that you need spinal surgery can stir up many emotions. This is why we have friendly doctors to guide you through every step. Our spinal clinic in Westchester, NY, is fully equipped and adequately staffed, so our patients get the best care possible.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the following conditions may require surgical treatment:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated or ruptured disk
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral fractures
- Degenerative disk disease
There are some rare cases where surgery may be recommended.
What Are The Risks Of Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery can be risky because it is closer to the nervous system. Worst case scenarios are paralysis or infections. When surgery is successful, the patient is also expected to spend some time in recovery. Depending on the type of surgery and your pre-surgery condition, post-surgery recovery can stretch into months. There is also a possibility that you lose some flexibility permanently.
What Are The Types of Spine Surgery?
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty:
These procedures are used to repair compression fractures of the vertebrae caused by osteoporosis. During these procedures, glue-like bone cement is injected to harden and strengthen the bone.
Spinal Laminectomy / spinal decompression
This procedure is performed when spinal stenosis causes the spinal canal to become narrow, resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness.
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the bony walls of the vertebrae and any bone spur. This will open the spinal column, removing pressure on the nerves.
Discectomy
This is the procedure used in removing a herniated disk that presses on the nerve root or spinal cord. In many cases, laminectomy and discectomy are performed together.
Plasma Disk Decompression
This is a special kind of laser surgery that uses radiofrequency energy to test back pain caused by a mildly herniated disk.
For this procedure, the surgeon inserts a needle into the faulty disk. A plasma laser device is then inserted into the needle. Once in place, the tip is heated up, creating a field that vaporizes the tissue in the disk.
This reduces the size of the disk and relieves the pressure on the nerves.
Spinal fusion
This procedure is used to fix a damaged disk between vertebrae. The surgeon removes the bad spinal disk between two or more vertebrae and fuses the adjacent vertebrae using a metal device or bone draft held firmly in place by screws.
Due to the nature of this surgery, patients are expected to lose a degree of flexibility in the spine. After successful surgery, patients will also require a lengthy recovery period to allow bone grafts to grow and fuse the vertebrae.
Artificial Disk Replacement
This is considered an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. In this case, the vertebrae aren’t fused, but the disk is replaced. In doing so, the patient retains more flexibility and height.
In this procedure, the damaged disk is replaced with an artificial disk made from plastic or metal.
Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient surgery, a medical procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization, offers numerous advantages. Many opt for it due to its relatively lower pain levels and quicker recovery times compared to inpatient surgery. Additionally, it tends to be more cost-effective, making it accessible to individuals who might find inpatient surgeries financially burdensome.
How to Manage Pain During Recovery
Back surgery can cause significant pain post-operation. Our doctors will educate you on several options for pain relief in the days or weeks following surgery.
These options are discussed with a pain management specialist present who explains the pros and cons of each pain management option available. You will learn about their effectiveness in handling pain and their potential side effects. Other factors like addiction will also be discussed.
Where to Get Spine Surgery in Westchester, NY
NJ Spine & Ortho is a reputable spinal clinic with an office in Westchester, NY. We have an award-winning team of doctors, surgeons, and other related medical staff that provide the best care to patients.
Our comprehensive services range from noninvasive procedures where we make an incision smaller than a postage stamp to open back surgeries. Book an appointment to see one of our physicians today.