Back pain treatment – Types of surgery recommended

While most problems that trigger sciatica and back pain can be treated without any kind of surgical intervention, there are times when the need for surgery arises. Spine surgery is an important part of back pain treatment. Here are a few things that you should know about spine surgery treatment as part of treatment for back pain.

Have a proper understanding of the spine surgery procedure in which your surgeon has recommended

It is important for you to have proper understanding of what procedure you will be undergoing and why it is being performed. Gather as much information as possible on your condition and objectives of the surgical procedure. Although orthopedic surgeon shares complete and detailed information about your condition and procedure, educating yourself a bit more is good for you.  Given below are a few types of spine surgeries performed for treating back pain.

Discectomy

It helps in treating herniated discs. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the soft gel like material which is herniated out of the damaged disc and compresses a spinal nerve.  This, in turn, helps in returning the disc to a normal shape, and thus relieves pressure on other adjacent discs.

Laminectomy

Laminotomy refers to the procedure in which a part of the lamina is removed while laminectomy is a procedure in which entire lamina is removed. These two surgical procedures are performed for treating different types of spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and spinal tumors. These are some of the most common causes of back pain in older people. The lamina refers to a bony plate which is an important part of each vertebral body and is located in the  spine’s back. It protects the entrance of the spinal cord or the spinal canal along with other nerve structures.

Foraminotomy

It is performed for treating pinched nerves. This procedure aims at relieving compression of spinal nerves by surgically increasing the size of the opening where spinal nerves leave the spine. This opening is known as neuroforamen or foramen.  

Spinal fusion

This procedure often comprises of bone graft as well as instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. Instrumentation means medical devices such as rods, cages, screws and plates. When it comes to bone graft material, they are available in different types such as donor graft (allograft), own bone of the patient (autograft) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). There is very possible that a spinal surgeon might perform spinal fusion surgery with other procedures as well as such as laminectomy and discectomy.  

If you have been recommended surgery for back pain treatment, then you need to know a few important things. Seldom is such a surgery performed as an emergency procedure which means you have time to prepare for it. Be it in good physical position. Follow the guidelines given by the doctor. Make sure that you eat right and healthy, get in shape by undergoing regular exercise and stop smoking in case you do. Spine surgeon like Dr. Erik Bendiks make sure that the patient gets to know complete details about the procedure. His experience and expertise makes him one of the most renowned surgeons in Atlanta. 

Habits that can improve back pain condition

According to studies conducted, it has been found that nearly 80 percent people get affected by back pain at some or the other point in their lives. Living with back pain can be difficult and challenging as it often restricts daily activities. Back pain treatment is important else it could deteriorate your condition further.

If you are one of those individuals who is battling back pain now or if you want to take measures to prevent it then try to avoid following habits.

Not exercising

Those who are not regular at performing exercise, specifically abdominal strengthening exercises might suffer from increased pain in lower back and poor posture. It is important to have a regular exercise regime to stay fit and healthy. Good and regular exercise for prevention of back pain includes core strengthening activities or Pilates or other trunk that can boost stability of back muscles. Cardiovascular exercises like bicycling, swimming and walking are often recommended by doctors. Also recommended are movements that improve flexibility.

Bad Posture

Poor posture is one of the biggest causes of pain in the back. It can put stress on the spine and add strain to muscles. Over the period of time, the strain and stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine. In order to avoid back injuries, stand with your knees bent slightly and put one of your foot forward, to take off pressure from the lower back, and thus reduce the strain. At the time of sitting, sit with your hips somewhat higher than knees. 

Lifting things incorrectly

It is one of the most common reasons for back pain. Mostly back injuries happen when we lift heavy objects that too in an incorrect way. It is important to know the right way to lift things. Bend your knees and using the power of your legs, keep the weight close to your body and avoid twisting.

Pain in the lower back can make things difficult for people.  Back pain treatment, without any doubt is important, however, keeping in mind a few things can prevent the condition. In case you are suffering from low back pain then consult Dr. Erik Bendiks who has experience and expertise in treating different types of back and neck pain.