SURGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR BACK PAIN

Having spine surgery is usually a last resort for those dealing with chronic back pain. If you are experiencing back problems due to structural issues that can be helped by surgery, your doctor may advise you on your options.

“Spine surgery is complex and involves a high level of precision,” said Dr. Hari Mitra, orthopedic spine surgeon at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. “Advancements in spine surgery have made it possible to use minimally invasive techniques that allow for smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times.”

DO YOU NEED SURGERY?

Most back pain resolves on its own with nonsurgical treatments that might include anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice, over-the-counter pain patches, therapeutic massage, or physical therapy. But, if nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked and you’re experiencing weakness or difficulty performing basic activities, such as standing or walking, you should see your doctor.

According to Dr. Mitra, surgery doesn’t relieve all types of back pain, but it is an effective solution for certain types of back problems. Surgery may be recommended if you suffer from:

■ Degenerative disk disease or herniated disks

■ Fractures or injuries to the bones in the spine

■ Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine)

■ Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

■ Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the lower back slips forward on top of another)

■ Weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

“During minimally invasive spine surgery, smaller incisions are made by the surgeon instead of one long incision down the back, as in open surgery,” Mitra noted. “The surgeon can view the spine using smaller, specialized surgical instruments and an operating microscope.”

Minimally invasive techniques can be used in these types of spinal surgery:

■ Diskectomy is a common surgery done to remove the herniated portion of a disk pressing on a nerve.

■ Laminectomy or decompression surgery relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis by removing bone to enlarge the spinal canal.

■ Spinal fusion permanently fuses two vertebrae together to eliminate painful movement between them. This may be done to help with degenerative disk disease, recurrent herniated disks, spinal deformities, spinal instability and other disorders.

If your back pain persists despite home remedies, physical therapy and other treatments, it may be time to see a specialist to find out if surgery is an option for you. •M

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a consultation with a specialist at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662 .