Back Surgery

Ever since man learned to walk upright, there have been problems associated with the human back. Some back pain is minor and can be described as an ache, but when back pain becomes crippling, back surgery is oftentimes indicated.

Of course prior to considering back surgery, the problems may be alleviated by using such things as heat, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, gentle massages and physical therapy. When these common conservative methods fail after being given a reasonable time, back surgery is next.

Back surgery is usually indicated when the spinal cord is compressed, a nerve is pinched, or the Dr. perceives that there is too much or too little movement linking the spinal bones. If there is nerve damage and you feel pain that radiates down your arm or your leg, this may indicate sciatica damage. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms is another indication. Finally, nerve damage sometimes is indicated by either loss of bowel or bladder control.

The human back is comprised of vertebrae. These are your backbones. Spongy flexible disks that comprise of a hard outer shell but contain a flexible gel-like inner center separate these bones. This is what cushions your vertebrae. Inside the vertebrae can be found the spinal cord and all manner of nerves pass through the various gaps found in the spinal column.

Apparently, different types of problems have reduced the amount of space in the spine, causing nerves to be pinched. Also, as the body ages, spinal disks can dry out and thus shrink. They can no longer serve their purpose as effective shock absorbers. At times, you may hear a Dr. refer to a ruptured or herniated disk. This means that the disk has changed its initial form and thus nearby nerves are irritated.

Back surgery may relieve the pressure felt on the spinal cord or the nerves by removing portions of bone to widen the pinched area of the vertebrae. At times, they will remove that gel-like inner center that separates the bones. If the problem is truly astronomical, entire disks may be removed and the adjoining vertebral sections may be fused together surgically. Sometimes, the surgeon may replace the damaged disks with artificial ones.

At other times, the surgeon may find that there is a bone fracture along the vertebral column caused perhaps by osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone density that enables fracture or collapse. If the damage is grave enough, cages, rods, screws and metal plates will be used to fuse bones together.

Some specific back problems may occasion the use of back surgery, such as spondylolisthesis, which is the forward slippage of some of the bony segments of the spine, kyphosis, which is a back deformity evidenced by a humpback appearance, or scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine.

There are many different kinds of back surgeries, and many back surgeons. As in all things medical be sure to garner a second opinion by visiting a qualified spine specialist. The complex issues of back and leg pain may require a team of Doctors in order to properly diagnose and treat your condition.

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