The spine gives our body strength and energy with every movement. In addition, the spinal vertebrae (bones) also serve to protect our spinal cord. Therefore, a knowledgeable orthopedist should solve any problems with our spine.
While many spinal problems can be treated with medication and therapy, a modern, inactive lifestyle carries with it a significant increase in the risk of back disease and injuries and, as a result, a growing need for spine surgery.
Before you go for spinal surgery, you need to consider many questions. Key issues include:
- Is surgery necessary to treat the problem?
- Is the non-surgical method the right way to solve the problem?
- Is traditional spinal surgery better than mini-invasive spinal surgery?
Conditions when you should go for Spine Surgery?
In general, the most common conditions associated with spine surgery are:
- Disc herniation.
- Spondylosis of the cervical and lumbar spine, which is the basic accumulation of degenerative changes in the back.
- Cervical myelopathy, when the pressure in the cervical spinal cord causes a threat to the basic functions of the patient, ie. walk. This condition is often associated with spondylosis.
- Spondylolisthesis is not the sliding of one vertebra over another.
Goals of Spine Surgery:
Depending on the condition the surgeon is treating, immediate goals of the surgery can be classified in one of the following categories:
- Decompression of neurological structures.
- Stabilization of the spine.
- Combination of both, decompression of neurological structures and stabilization of spinal segments.
Common types of Spine Surgery:
there are four common types of procedures that represent about 90 percent of all spine surgeries:
- Discectomy: This procedure usually involves removing the repaired disc material that binds the nerves or spinal cord. Discectomy is a decompressive type of operation.
- Laminectomy / Laminotomy: Nerve or spinal cord opening is performed to reduce the compression of structures. The terms laminectomy and laminotomy are related to the location of said opening of the posterior spinal elements and their size. It is also a form of decompression.
- Spinal decompression and fusion: It is the most common spine surgery performed performed to take pressure off of “pinched” nerves and/or the spinal cord and to stabilize the spine.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: In a way, it is a spinal decompression and fusion procedure. The difference is that it is performed from the front of the spine, unlike the most common decompression and fusion methods, which are commonly performed from behind.
What are the myths about Spine Surgery?
- The most common myth is that spine surgeries are dangerous or that they carry a serious risk of permanent neurological injury. Hundreds of thousands of spine surgeries are safely conducted every year.
- is that patient function will be severely limited after the surgery. As mentioned earlier, the goal of surgery is to improve patient function, not limit it.
- Some patients believe that it doesn’t matter who performs the surgery. It’s important to work with a well-trained and experienced orthopedic spine surgeon to perform your procedure.
Why to choose Dr. Prasad Umbarkar for Spine Surgery Treatment?
Dr. Prasad Umbarkar is one of the best Brain and Spine Specialists in Sangamner, Ahmednagar with vast clinical and surgical experience. He has operated on more than 3000+ patients with Brain and spine-related disorders. Please feel free to call us on 8669177494 or click on Book An Appointment for your best treatment.
