Top 5 Conditions that Require Spine Surgery

Back pain is a common reason for doctor visits. But, often, treatments like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can bring enough relief.

Yet, spinal infections, deformity, trauma, and tumors cause stenosis and herniated disks. These conditions require surgery.

So, for the best outcome, you have to consult a spine surgery team. They need to have plenty of experience.

“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” – William Osler.

What is Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery can help alleviate back pain, but it is rarely necessary as most back pain improves on its own within three months.

Low back pain is a common reason for individuals to seek treatment from healthcare providers. Anti-inflammatory medications, heat or ice, and physical therapy can help reduce symptoms.

Spine surgery is an option for patients when other treatments do not provide sufficient relief for back pain that radiates down a leg.

5 Conditions that Require Spine Surgery

1. Herniated or ruptured disks

The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by round, small discs with a tough outer layer. These discs have a nucleus located between each vertebra. When a tear occurs in the outer layer, a fragment of the nucleus can be pushed out into the spinal canal, causing a condition known as a herniated disc.

Causes

A herniated disc occurs when some of the soft internal parts of the spinal disc slip out through cracks in the fibrous lining. This most commonly occurs in the lower part of the back but can also appear in the spinal column of the neck and middle back.

Symptoms

• Arm or leg pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness

Diagnosis

• X-ray: 
• Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
• Myelogram: 
• Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)

2. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the space within the backbone narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the lower back and neck.

Causes

• Bone spurs. 
• Herniated disks
• Thick ligaments
• Tumors
• Spinal injuries

Symptoms

• Numbness
• Weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm
• Problems with walking and balance
• Neck pain
• Problems with bowel or bladder

Diagnosis

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computerized tomography (CT)

3. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that involves spine instability, where the vertebrae move more than they should. When a vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below, it puts pressure on the nerve, causing lower back or leg pain.

Causes

• Birth defect
• Genetics
• Spondylolysis
• Trauma
• Degenerative
• Fractures
• Injury to the spine
• Overextending the spine
• Surgery
• Neoplasm

Symptoms

• Muscle spasms 
• Back stiffness.
• Difficulty walking or standing for long.
• Pain when bending over.
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the foot.

Diagnosis

• Spinal X-ray 
• CT scan or MRI scan

4. Vertebral fractures

A fractured spine means breaking any of its 33 vertebrae. Doctors call this injury a broken back. It's often caused by osteoporosis or injuries from falls, sports, or car accidents.

Causes

• Car or motorcycle accident
• Fall from height
• Sports accident
• Violent act (gunshot wound or assault)

Other conditions include:

• Osteoporosis
• Spinal tumors
• Underlying conditions that weaken the vertebrae

Symptoms

• Back pain
• Swelling or tenderness
• Changes to your posture
• Tingling or numbness
• Height loss
• Incontinence
•  

Diagnosis

• X-rays
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• CT scan

5. Degenerative disk disease

Degenerative disk disease occurs when spinal disks wear down. These disks are rubbery cushions between vertebrae. They absorb shock and aid in movement, bending, and twisting.

Causes

• Dry out
• Tear or crack

Symptoms

• Common pain signs include:
• Pain feels worse when you sit, move, and walk
• Pain when you bend, lift, or twist
• Reduce pain when changing position or lying down.

 Diagnosis

Doctors may ask you about your medical history and your symptoms and ask you questions like:

• When did the pain start?
• Which part of the spine hurts
• Do you feel pain in other parts?
• Do you have any spine injuries?
• Do you have any family history of similar problems?

 Conclusion

Spine surgery is vital. It treats a range of spinal issues, like breaks and diseases. It greatly reduces pain and other symptoms. This, in turn, greatly improves an individual's overall quality of life. The surgery is done to address many spinal conditions.

These include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. These problems can cause chronic back pain, numbness, and weakness. Doctors carefully consider each patient's unique situation. They recommend surgery only after a full diagnosis.