What Spine Surgery Can And Can’t Fix

Spine surgery is oftentimes viewed as a catch-all type of treatment that can address any and all issues pertaining to your lower back. While spine surgery can treat a wide variety of spinal problems, it’s certainly not an option for any and all types of back pain. With that in mind, we wanted to use today’s blog to spotlight some of the different back conditions that spine surgery can and can’t correct.

What Back Problems Can Spine Surgery Fix?

Let’s start with the positives and explore the back issues that spine surgery can typically treat:

• Mechanical Issues – Surgery is oftentimes an effective option against mechanical issues that fail to respond to conservative treatments. When something is structurally wrong with the spine, surgical hardware or a bone graft can help to restore function within the spine. Problems like a spinal compression fracture or a collapsed disc can be addressed with a surgical procedure.
• Nerve Compression – A surgical procedure can also be an effective tool against nerve compression that can’t be managed non-operatively. Physical therapy and stretching exercises can typically help to decompress a nerve, but when more hands-on care is needed, a minimally invasive decompression procedure can free an impinged nerve.
• Cysts, Tumors and Spurs – Surgery is typically one of the first treatments considered for abnormal growths that are causing symptoms or other health concerns. An operation can remove the offending growth and restore stability in the region if the growth has compromised the structural integrity of your spine.
• Curvature Disorders – Many spinal curvature disorders may eventually require surgical correction, especially since conservative treatments typically focus on preventing further misalignment instead of fully correcting the issue. A problem like scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis may be best managed through a surgical realignment procedure.

What Spine Surgery Can’t Fix

There are also plenty of spinal issues that surgery can’t correct. If you’re dealing with any of the following issues, your spine specialist may recommend a treatment other than surgery:

• Non-Specific Low Back Pain – If it has proven difficult to pinpoint an exact cause of discomfort, diving in with a surgical procedure isn’t likely to do much good. For patients with non-specific low back pain, conservative treatment is oftentimes the first and optimal treatment route.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Surgery can certainly help you address the fallout from degenerative disc disease, but it’s not going to be able to reverse the damage to your discs. A disc replacement or fusion procedure can provide some relief, but it’s not going to be able to restore your original discs to a pre-degenerative state.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – You may be rushed into surgery if you suffer a significant spinal cord injury, but the operation isn’t going to be able to reattach a severed cord.

Spine surgery can be a major step on your journey to wellness, but it’s not a perfect treatment for any and all issues. To ensure you are pursuing the right care for your unique situation, consider connecting with a spine specialist in your area. For assistance in the greater Twin Cities area, we hope you’ll connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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