Have you ever experienced back or neck pain that won’t go away? You’re not alone. Back pain is a common issue; sometimes, it can become chronic spinal pain, meaning it lasts for a long time.
In some cases, chronic spinal pain improves with non-surgical treatments like injections. In other cases, surgery may be required to provide relief.
Let’s explore the concept of spinal pain and its causes and discuss the signs determining whether surgery is necessary. We will also delve into different types of spinal surgeries and how they work.
Understanding Spinal Pain
Spinal pain refers to discomfort or pain originating from the spine’s structures, including the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. It can range from mild to severe and may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting over three months).
Several factors can contribute to spinal pain, including:
- Muscle Strain: Overexertion, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles supporting the spine, leading to pain.
- Disc Problems: Herniated discs, bulging discs, or degenerative disc disease can cause nerve compression and result in spinal pain.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the cartilage between the vertebrae can lead to inflammation and pain.
- Spinal Fractures: Fractures in the vertebrae, often due to trauma or osteoporosis, can cause significant pain.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
While most cases of spinal pain can be managed without surgery, certain signs indicate surgery may be necessary. These signs include:
- Persistent and Progressive Pain: If you experience chronic pain that persists beyond a few months and progressively worsens, it may be an indication that surgery is necessary.
- Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates from your back to your arms or legs can suggest nerve compression or damage. This can be a sign that surgical intervention is required to relieve the pressure on the affected nerves.
- Reduced Mobility: If your spinal condition limits your ability to move, bend, or perform daily activities, it may be an indication that surgery is needed to restore functionality and improve mobility.
- Numbness or Weakness: The presence of numbness or weakness in your limbs, particularly in the arms or legs, could indicate nerve compression or damage. Surgery may be recommended to alleviate the pressure on these nerves and restore normal sensation and strength.
- Failed Conservative Treatments: If you have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without experiencing significant improvement in your symptoms, surgery might be considered as the next step.
- Diagnosis of Spinal Problem: Surgery is also necessary for those who have received a diagnosis of spinal problems such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or vertebral fracture.
Common Surgical Options for Chronic Spinal Pain
When it comes to chronic spinal pain, several common surgical options may be considered based on the individual’s condition and medical evaluation. Here are some commonly performed surgical procedures for chronic spinal pain:
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgery that joins two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, screws, or rods. This procedure helps stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and restrict movement in the affected area.
Discectomy
A discectomy involves removing part or all of a damaged or herniated disc that is causing nerve compression or irritation. By relieving pressure on the nerves, a discectomy can alleviate pain and restore normal function.
Microdiscectomy
Similar to a standard discectomy, a microdiscectomy removes the herniated portion of a disc using minimally invasive techniques. This procedure minimizes tissue damage, promotes faster recovery, and reduces postoperative pain.
Laminectomy
In a laminectomy, a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina is removed to create more space within the spinal canal. This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and can be beneficial for conditions like spinal stenosis.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement involves removing a damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one made of plastic, ceramic, or some metal. This procedure aims to maintain normal motion and flexibility in the spine while reducing pain.
This can be a good option for patients with degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. The recovery period for artificial disc replacement surgery can be up to six weeks.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy relieves pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal column through small bony openings called foramina. By enlarging the foramen, this surgery can alleviate nerve compression and associated pain.
The recovery period for foraminotomy surgery is typically four to six weeks.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCF). These fractures occur when the bones in the spine become compressed or collapse, often due to osteoporosis or trauma.
Vertebroplasty involves injecting a type of bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra. The cement hardens, stabilizing the bone and providing pain relief. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty but involves an additional step. A small balloon is first inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore its height and create a cavity. Once the cavity is created, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the cement is injected into the cavity. This procedure aims to not only stabilize the vertebra but also restore its height and alignment.
Chronic Spinal Pain Treatment in Rochester Hill, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
Chronic spinal pain can significantly impact your daily life, but surgery isn’t always the first solution. It is important to explore conservative treatments and seek expert medical advice before considering surgery. However, if you experience severe and persistent pain, nerve compression symptoms, or a progressive loss of function, surgery may be necessary.
At Ahlgren Spine, our spine surgeon, Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, treats chronic spinal pain with nonsurgical, surgical, and minimally invasive treatment options based on the individual’s unique health condition, symptoms, and spine condition. We offer top-notch solutions for a comprehensive range of spine conditions, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and others.
If you want to know more about us or to set up a consultation, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or use our online appointment request form.
