The spine is a vital component of the human body. It provides support and protects the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Degenerative spine conditions, such as disc herniation or bulging discs, can compress any of the nerves in the spine and cause pain. The pain can be felt in the back and neck, and travels to other parts of the body.
Improper treatment of the issue can lead to chronic pain and physical limitations. An orthopedic doctor can provide the appropriate treatment for spinal pain. Non-surgical methods such as epidural injections may be recommended. In some cases, spinal surgery may be necessary.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the back and neck problems that can be treated with spinal surgery, as well as the procedures used for providing lasting relief.
Understanding Back and Neck Problems
Back and neck problems can manifest in various ways. Symptoms can include:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness
Some of the most common spinal conditions that are treated with surgery include:
- Herniated Disc: When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the exterior, which leads to nerve compression.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: The gradual breakdown of spinal discs over time, leading to stiffness and reduced flexibility of the spine.
- Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another, causing instability and compressing spinal nerves.
- Spinal Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the vertebrae due to trauma or osteoporosis, often requiring surgical intervention to restore stability.
- Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine, leading to back pain and other complications.
- Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs through the top of the gluteus muscles and down the back of the thighs and legs; usually a complication of a herniated disc or overgrowth of bone.
Types of Spinal Surgeries
An orthopedic doctor may recommend any one of the surgeries below to alleviate your symptoms and restore functionality.
Discectomy
This procedure involves removing part or all of a herniated disc that is causing nerve compression and pain. It aims to relieve pressure on the affected nerves and reduce symptoms.
Spinal Fusion
In cases of spinal instability or deformity, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary. It involves joining two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts or implants. The fused vertebrae provide stability, reducing pain and preventing abnormal motion.
Laminectomy
This surgical procedure involves removing part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is commonly performed to treat spinal stenosis and can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Artificial Disc Replacement
In select cases, rather than fusing two vertebrae, an artificial disc can be inserted between them. This approach aims to preserve motion in the spine while addressing the underlying problem.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
These procedures are often used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by a bone disease better known as osteoporosis. They involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra, providing stability to the spine and relieving your symptoms.
It is worth noting that spinal surgery is typically reserved for cases where non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Each patient’s condition is unique, and the decision to undergo spinal surgery should be made in consultation with an orthopedic spine surgeon.
Orthopedic Doctors in Hartford County, CT
To find out your options for treating back and neck problems, consult with our world-class spinal surgery team at Advanced Orthopedics New England. We are highly experienced in providing advanced spine treatments, including spinal surgery, for our patients’ relief. Our experts also offer on-site epidurals, which provide targeted pain relief for months.
To schedule a consultation for your back or neck problem, call our office today at (860) 728- 6740. Rest assured; you will have a caring team behind you on your journey toward better spine health.
