Our spine is one of the most important parts of our body since it helps support us when we’re moving. It also protects the nerves in our spinal cord from injury. Thus, it is very important to find the best spine surgeon, if you are looking to undergo a surgery.
In the case of back pain, minimally invasive methods will be tried first to address your pain. If these fail to work, then your surgeon may perform minimally invasive spine surgery.
Who is a Spine Surgeon and what does he do?
A spine surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in the surgical treatment of the spine. They are specialized to provide treatment for patients with spinal cord injuries or deformities caused by spinal cord lesions.
I, Dr. Karthikeyan Maharajan, am an experienced spine surgeon having expertise in performing spine surgeries and treating spinal deformities. Today, let’s discuss Spine Surgery, why you need it, how to find the best spine surgeon, its types and recovery, risks and more.
What are the problems for which you need to consult the best spine surgeon?
A spine surgeon can help you to address a variety of problems that may arise from the vertebrae between the neck and lower back. Some of these problems include:
- Broken or dislocated vertebrae
- Disc degeneration
- Bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
How to Choose the Best Spine Surgeon?
Spine Surgeons use their surgical skills and techniques to fix back problems. You can find the best spine surgeon that is right for you by asking questions and taking notes. While choosing a spine surgeon, below are the key factors to consider:
- Experience- How long has the surgeon been in practice?
- Cost- How much does the surgery cost?
- Location- What kind of treatment will I get if I go with this surgeon?
Key points to consider before going for Spine Surgery
- Have you had any problems with your neck or back in the past?
- Do you have low back pain, bulging discs, arthritis, or osteoporosis?
- Do you have a low tolerance for pain or have other medical problems?
What are the different types of Spine Surgeries?
There are a variety of methods for treating back problems including surgical methods like:
1. Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar decompression surgery is performed to correct the narrowing of the spinal stenosis. The surgeon will either remove the entire lamina or a portion of it that is pressing against the spine and causing pain. Your doctor may also perform a minimally invasive form of lumbar decompression surgery.
In spinal stenosis, a pressure is being placed on the spinal cord due to the age-related narrowing of the spinal canal. This is normally achieved by surgery that involves removing bone spurs or excising some extra vertebral bodies.
2. Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar discectomy involves surgically removing an injured disc through either minimally invasive arthroscopic discectomy or open spine surgery. There are two kinds of lumbar discectomy: open spine surgery and minimally invasive arthroscopic discectomy.
3. Herniated Disc Surgery
In this, the surgeon removes part or all of the injured disc. The surgeon may remove the disc altogether. It fuses two adjacent vertebrae together to become painless.
4. Spinal Fusion Surgery
The surgeon will typically use small screws and rods to connect two vertebrae together. It is expected that the recovery period will take around 6-9 months.
Tips for successful recovery from Spine Surgery
It is important for individuals to understand the steps and processes involved with successful recovery following a spine surgery. There are a number of factors that come into play when recovering from such an operation, which may involve the use of physical therapy, pain management, and even psychological counselling.
Post-surgery, it is important to take full advantage of the time you have to recover. Although the spine surgery recovery period is not short, there are some basic habits that can help you feel better and heal faster:
- Take it easy for the first week after surgery: Patients are instructed to lie down on their side with their head propped up on a pillow. Patients are encouraged to sleep with the assistance of pain medication, if needed.
- Avoid strenuous activity for six weeks: Patients are told to avoid doing any strenuous activity for six weeks after surgery to allow the disc to heal.
There are many different types and approaches to spine surgery and treatment for various injuries and conditions. Consultation with best spine surgeon to choose the proper course of treatment is critical for minimising or eliminating your spinal difficulties.
What are the risks involved in going for a spine surgery?
There are many risks involved in spine surgery. One risk is that, if they are not qualified and don’t have enough experience, they could harm you by making mistakes during surgery. Another risk is that this process can take too long and may even cause you more problems than it solves.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of spine surgery. However, you need to have a good spine surgeon by your side. I am always there to help you out in case you need any assistance regarding spine surgery.
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