Chronic back pain is a leading public health concern, having a major impact on US productivity. All over the world, 80% of people living today will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Many chronic back pain sufferers try every treatment possible, from physical therapy to chiropractic and many other therapies. But not everything works for everyone.
Chronic pain of any kind is debilitating and when it’s your back, it affects your mood and energy levels. Once people get to surgery as the last remaining alternative, they’re good and ready. They’re tired and the pain has conquered them.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic back pain for over 3 months, it’s time to talk to your doctor about surgery. It’s a last resort. But it may be what you need to get feel like yourself again and to enjoy the life you enjoyed before chronic pain.
So, when is spine surgery the next right step? Read on.
It’s Not Magic
There’s a prevailing belief that surgery is a kind of magic. But science isn’t magic and surgery is science. It’s also a big step. For one, it’s a deliberate trauma to your body. For another, extensive recovery time is involved, especially with back surgery.
All surgery comes with an element of risk and all surgeries are not successful. But when you’ve been dealing with back pain for a long time, it’s an alternative that offers hope. At Spine Consult NJ, we see lives changed by spine surgery every day.
And that’s well worth consideration.
So, while it’s not magic and it’s not the answer to every back pain issue, talking to your doctor about surgery and exploring the options available to resolve your back pain is a logical next step on your therapeutic path.
For those who’ve injured their spines in an accident and those who’ve become disabled by the pain due to spinal degeneration, surgery can change the game.
Things to Think About
The condition causing your pain is key to identifying the surgical option which is most adaptable for resolving it. But engaging the right surgeon for the procedure is probably the most important factor.
An outstanding surgeon with a superior surgical record and reputation is key to the success of spine surgery. Also, if your condition is a candidate for the application of minimally invasive techniques, these should be considered first.
Minimally invasive surgeries offer a drastically reduced risk of complications like infection and reduce in-hospital and recovery time. These techniques are gaining currency.
You need to have psychologically accepted that the time for surgery has come. Surgery is a big step to take and you need to accept what it entails and to feel comfortable with the surgeon who’ll be operating.
If you’ve tried numerous treatments, from acupuncture to massage therapy, then spine surgery could well be the next right step for you.
SCNJ is dedicated to returning our patients to full function and quality of life. We work as a team, identifying the right solutions for you.