Spine Surgery: Sooner Is Better Than Later
If your loved one is resistant to the idea of spine surgery, they may insist that it is not necessary. This is not always true, as many spine conditions are progressive. That means the longer they wait, the worse the symptoms will get. Examples of progressive spine conditions include:
- Herniated disc: This condition arises when the core of a spinal disc leaks into the spinal cavity and irritates the spinal cord. If left untreated, it may cause permanent damage.
- Degenerative disc disease: Over time, wear and tear causes spinal discs to become shrunken and stiff. With reduced cushioning, the spine is left vulnerable to fracture.
- Degenerative joint disease: Also called osteoarthritis, this condition causes increasing pain and stiffness in joints. Early management is key to staying mobile longer.
- Spine deformities: Depending on the cause, deformities such as kyphosis and scoliosis may get worse over time, potentially causing complications with other organs.
Not only will these conditions become more painful with time, but they may also become more difficult to treat. When a spine condition is new, treatments are relatively simple. As it gets worse, it causes more widespread damage that requires a more intensive procedure to fix. By pursuing surgery early, your loved one can spare themselves from unnecessary discomfort and stress.
Spine Surgery Fears Are Based on Misconceptions
Spine surgery may have been a frightening prospect several decades ago. However, the medical field is constantly moving forward, and new ground continues to be broken in advanced spine treatment. Modern surgery is a much safer, smoother experience than it used to be. If your loved one has fears founded on outdated information, you can begin by correcting their misconceptions. The following are some common concerns, with reasons why they are misplaced:
Misconception: Spine Surgery Is a Big Deal
Because the spine is part of the central nervous system, people sometimes assume that operating on it is just as significant and delicate as brain surgery. In truth, this is not the case. Many spine procedures can be performed in a minimally invasive manner that works through a tiny incision. This results in minimal scarring and a fast recovery.
Misconception: There May Be Complications
While all medical procedures have risks, the chances of complications with spine surgery are lower than many people realize. Minimally invasive spine surgeries are performed with advanced equipment, a high level of precision, and no more surgical trauma than is necessary. This reduces the chances of complications, promoting a positive outcome.
Misconception: Surgery Might Not Work
Historically, spine surgery was sometimes unreliable. Additional procedures were often required to correct failed back syndrome after a surgery that did not provide relief. Modern equipment, however, enables a level of accuracy that was not possible before. Spine surgeons consistently get results with the first procedure, providing pain relief that often lasts for a lifetime.
Misconception: The Recovery Is Not Worth It
Many people associate surgery with a long and difficult recovery. While it’s true that spine surgery requires time to heal, minimally invasive surgery has a faster, easier healing process than traditional open surgery. Depending on the procedure, patients may be on their feet in a matter of weeks rather than months, able to get back to normal everyday life.
Spine Surgery Provides Immediate Relief
Finally, the most important reason to pursue surgery is to find relief. Many conservative treatments for back pain exist. These are focused on addressing symptoms rather than eliminating pain at its source. Non-invasive back pain treatments include:
- Prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
- The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Supportive braces
Though these methods can help with short-term symptom management, they often fail to correct the cause. In the long term, they become less and less effective. Your loved one may find that pain returns after treatment or that it never fully goes away. Spine surgery, meanwhile, eliminates pain at its source. It treats spine conditions to provide immediate and permanent relief. Patients can get back to doing the activities they loved before their condition set in, with peace of mind that their pain will not return.
Find Expert Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic back pain, don’t wait for relief. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute treats all kinds of spine conditions with minimally invasive surgery, helping patients get back to pain-free living. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, is an award-winning surgeon renowned for his exceptional work. Contact us to speak with our experienced team or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.