Top 5 Questions About Back Surgery to Ask Your Doctor | Did you know back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and a common reason people miss work? Do you suffer from back pain? There could be many reasons why.
Has your doctor recommended a back surgery procedure?
Before undergoing surgery for your back pain, here are some questions about back surgery to ask your doctor.
- Why is Back Surgery Necessary?
If you’ve tried other back pain treatments, it’s possible surgery is the last alternative. Ask your surgeon why this procedure is necessary.
The surgeon should be able to explain the procedure, what it will do to correct the condition causing the pain, and if the relief should be permanent. Sometimes the procedure relieves the pain enough for you to regain range of motion and strength to better ease the condition.
- What Are the Treatment Alternatives to Spine Surgery?
Most back surgeons won’t do surgery unless they feel it’s the last option and necessary to relieve the pain. It’s good to try non-surgical alternatives for pain relief first.
Physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss can sometimes help with chronic back pain. Check out how chiropractic care can also relieve many types of back pain.
- What Type of Spine Surgery Are You Suggesting?
Have the doctor explain the type of procedure in detail. A few types of surgery for the back include:
- Discectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Vertebroplasty
- Kyphoplasty
- Spinal fusion
Each type of back surgery treats a specific problem in the spine. A discectomy is the removal of a herniated disc. A vertebroplasty repairs a compression fracture caused by osteoporosis.
- What Are the Benefits of Spine Surgery?
Ask your surgeon about the specific benefits you’ll gain from spine surgery. Ask if the benefits are long-term or if you’ll need another surgery down the road.
Every patient’s case is different, and a doctor can’t promise an exact outcome. She can, however, give you a good opinion based on previous experience with other patients. Ask the doctor how many of these surgeries she’s performed.
- What Are the Risks of This Surgery?
Every surgery carries risks. These include allergic reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, and injury. Understand all the possible risks so you can weigh the risks against the benefits before agreeing to surgery.
Ask whether not having the surgery puts you at risk for increased pain in the future. You may decide the risks aren’t worth the benefits if you can manage the pain with alternative treatments. You may also decide on surgery if the condition is degenerative and the pain is likely to increase with time.
Ask Your Doctor These Questions About Back Surgery
It’s important to ask your doctor these questions about back surgery before you make a final decision. You don’t want to find out later that you could have had pain relief without the potential complications of major surgery. Surgery may also be your best option.
Do you have more questions about your health? Find more articles in our Wellness section on the blog!
