Is Spinal Surgery For You?
The thought of undergoing surgery can be scary. This is especially true when that surgery is on the spine. However, there are many instances in which spinal surgery may be necessary. That is not for you to decide, though. Ultimately, spinal surgery should only be done when absolutely necessary and when advised by a medical professional. With that said, there are certainly some indicators that you may be a likely candidate for spinal surgery. If you recognize yourself in any of these indicators, then it's definitely worth discussing surgical options with your doctor.
Slipped Discs
A very common and very painful condition that many people suffer from is what is known as a slipped or herniated disc. This condition exists when one of the discs of the spine starts to penetrate through the casing. It can cause intense pain, weakness, and other symptoms. Luckily, many slipped discs will repair themselves all on their own. But, if you suffer from slipped discs frequently, experience a lot of pain as a result, or are not seeing improvement after a prolonged period, surgery may be in your future. Discuss the issue with a medical professional who knows you and your history well in order to make an informed decision about treatment.
Degenerative Back Disease
Aging can bring on many aches and pains that you never would have imagined in your youth. However, even healthy, active people can develop debilitating conditions as they get older. One of these conditions is degenerative back disease. When your spine starts to lose its cushioning and you experience pain, mobility issues, or other problems, you may have this condition. Talk with your healthcare provider about diagnosing the disease, possible treatment options, and if and how surgery could be a solution for you.
Spinal Stenosis
Contrary to popular belief, the spine is not a constant thing that remains the same once a person is fully grown. Instead, it can often change, particularly as one grows older or experiences strain or injuries. One common change is a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis. In some cases, stenosis can lead to intense pain and even trouble with incontinence. If you have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, surgery may be an option to reduce or eliminate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Lots of things can go wrong with the spine, some of which may require surgery. If you think that you may have a serious spinal condition or that surgery could be for you, connect with a medical professional, ideally one who specializes in the spine and back. They can provide further guidance as to how you should proceed and likely let you know if you need spinal surgery.