Back pain is very common – especially if your job requires heavy lifting, if you engage in a sport or hobby that puts a lot of pressure on your back, or if you have a health condition that contributes to back pain (such as arthritis). This discomfort can become quite disconcerting and distracting, and it can start to impinge on your quality of life.
If you suffer from massive back discomfort, you may assume that you need surgery. However, back surgery may not be necessary in some cases, and your neurosurgeon can explain what other treatments would work for you.
Let’s talk about some of the main factors that can make you a good candidate for back surgery, and where you can go to find out more about your treatment options.
Presence of Mechanical Problems in the Back
Many cases of acute back pain are due to sprains and strains in the spinal area. The back contains many sets of muscles, ligaments, and tendons to support the spine while providing flexibility and strength.
Traumatic accidents or wear-and-tear of the back can stretch the muscles and cause strains. The ligaments of the spine may also become injured, resulting in sprains. Your neurosurgeon can conduct an evaluation of your back pain to determine whether your injury warrants surgery or a nonsurgical treatment.
Conservative Treatments Are Not Enough
You can do a lot to foster a healthy back, even if you already have a diagnosis of a spinal condition. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing your physical activity or avoiding stressful twisting of your back, should help to support your spine and keep it in good shape.
In particular, core-strengthening exercises can allow your muscles to provide better support to your spine and keep your back in a more healthy posture. Your physical therapist can show you exercises that will strengthen your back muscles while not putting extra strain on your back.
However, these conservative treatments may not be sufficient to relieve your back pain or to support movement. In that case, surgery may be a good option for you to achieve relief from your symptoms. Your surgeon may even recommend a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
Spinal surgery corrects the underlying mechanical problem, leading to substantial pain relief. Surgeons can replace or repair damaged discs, remove excess bone fragments, and merge (fuse) affected vertebrae to stabilize your spine.
Back Surgery in Colorado
Most cases of back pain resolve after a few weeks. However, severe and persistent back discomfort should prompt you to schedule an appointment with a back specialist. Serious mechanical problems in your spine can make you a candidate for back surgery, but a skilled neurosurgeon will be able to recommend the optimal treatment for you based on your circumstances.
With facilities in Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery specializes in microsurgical techniques for neurological conditions, including the spine and the brain. Our providers are experts in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of spinal disorders.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you finally find relief from your back pain so you can enjoy life once again.
