Spinal surgery is a major operation performed only when extreme need arises. Severe back pain is the major symptom, with spine movement becoming very difficult. Simple back pain heals with proper rest and medication within about two months — if pain persists beyond that, surgical evaluation is warranted.
02Non-surgical options first
A spine specialist may recommend these before considering surgery:
Heat and ice packs — alternate them and see which gives better relief for lower back pain.
Simple exercises recommended by a physical therapist to strengthen and stretch the back.
Therapeutic massage by a specialist to relieve muscular back pain.
03Conditions that need spine surgery
Osteoarthritis can cause bone outgrowths on the spine that narrow the space for nerves through the spinal openings. Ruptured discs — the cushions separating the bones of the spine — may press tightly against a spinal nerve, requiring surgical decompression.
Plan this visit
Plan your spine visit
Surgery is the last option — the visit finds the safest first one.
How long has your back troubled you?
Duration changes the pathway.
Ask the surgeon
Questions about spine surgery?
Costs, recovery time, whether surgery is even needed in your case — send your question and get a call back within one working day.