The spine gives the body stability and strength for every movement you make. It connects different parts of the musculoskeletal system; vital parts of the spine include the vertebrae (bones), discs, nerves, and the spinal cord. Dealing with back pain is immensely frustrating, and it stops your ability to function in your daily life. The condition commonly occurs due to stress, physical strain, and aging. In most cases, back pain can be treated without surgery.

When should you consider back pain surgery?

Back pain surgery is for individuals who have been experiencing persistent pain for several months or more, with no relief with non-surgical treatment plans. You will be recommended surgical treatment if you have:

Herniated or ruptured riks, where one or more of the disks that cushioned the spine bones are damaged.

Spinal stenosis is a condition wherein the spinal column narrows, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve.

Spondylolisthesis, where one or more spinal ones move out of their location.

Vertebral fractures due to injury in the spine or by osteoporosis.

Degenerative disk disease or spinal disk damage due to aging.

Different types of back surgeries

You may have tried exercises, massages, and pain relievers, but if you still find persistent pain in your back, then choosing the proper back pain surgery procedure is the right way to treat the condition. Back surgery may sound scary; however, a successful procedure can make your spine be healthy again and let you lead an active life.

Here we have mentioned the many types and approaches of back pain surgery for various injuries and conditions that can help those experiencing chronic issues.

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion is one of the most common back pain surgeries, effectively reducing the pain triggered when the joints are in motion. During the procedure, the surgeon will fuse bones of the spine to prevent movement and alleviate the pain.

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is one of the key lower back surgeries, which is an ideal option for patients experiencing severe and chronic back pain or loss of movement due to bone spurs. During the laminectomy procedure, the professional will remove the lamina, a part of the bone that builds the vertebrae in our spine. This will create extra space in the spinal column to eliminate the pressure.

Discectomy

This surgery for back pain is for those suffering from a herniated disc, in which the discs in the spine serve as shock absorbers and offer to cushion between the vertebrae. But when one of these discs moves out of the position, it will create excess pressure on the spinal nerve. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the entire or part of the disc to reduce the pain.

Tips for recovering from back pain surgery

An individual who has undergone lower back surgery requires a specific time to heal. Hence the initial stages need extra preventive measures for a safe and quick recovery. Read on below to know a few tips that are recommended for a fast recovery.

Follow a healthy meal plan

While recovering from lower back surgery or any other back surgery, your body will need extra calories to speed up the healing. Therefore, following a healthy and balanced meal plan loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods, and other nutrients is important. Plus, drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is crucial.

Stick to a proper sleep pattern

A speedy recovery demands a good amount of sleep. Even though it is hard to follow due to any discomfort of post-surgical experience, try to distract yourself and get an uninterrupted sleep pattern during the night.

Practice exercise

Consult with a healthcare professional or physician to choose the appropriate exercise to accelerate your recovery rate. Exercising regularly will help you keep up with the ideal BMI, preventing any future complications.

Maintain a good posture

Maintaining a good and healthy posture will keep you from discomfort during your recovery and help you achieve proper spine alignment. Remind yourself to change positions often and use pillows to get lower back support.

Push yourself with physical therapy

Surgery is not the permanent way to address or cure back pain. Following the process, you should commit yourself to following physical therapy. A custom-made physical therapy will help you to attain an optimal recovery state by providing more stability to the injured area.

In conclusion

The first step in addressing lower back pain is connecting with expert healthcare professionals to have an early diagnosis, build a perfect treatment plan and lead a path to a swift recovery. If you have undergone non-surgical treatment, but couldn’t get relief from the pain, then it might be time to consider other options. While there are several costs associated with getting back surgery, you can consider financial aid options for the same. Opting for the right procedure will help you to return to normal functioning, relieve pain, and restore the quality of your life.