When somebody mentions surgery, we typically imagine blue scrubs, dim lighting, and scalpels. The prospect of getting surgery—especially on your spine—is scary, but sometimes it’s the best treatment for your condition.
So, when is spine surgery the right option? Let’s take a look.
You Have a Severe Spinal Injury
Studies have shown the effectiveness of treating severe spinal injuries through surgical procedures. While many patients prefer to first opt for non-surgical treatments, research has shown that in case of severe injuries, surgeries can yield the best results.
If you’ve sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury, surgery can help prevent cell disruption. In fact, early surgical intervention is believed to be even more effective in preserving your spinal cord tissue and preventing the condition from deteriorating.
Your Condition is Getting Worse
If you notice that your spinal condition appears to be getting more painful by the day, surgery may be the best option. Progressive ailments such as osteoporosis tend to worsen over time, causing immense discomfort and pain.
If you’re a victim of a progressive spinal ailment, then you need to be extra vigilant about any changes you notice regarding your condition.
For instance, if you’ve recently felt soreness near your waist that didn’t exist before, or are experiencing restless nights, then this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse.
There Are Signs of Nerve Damage
Spinal disorders and injuries can cause lower back pain and muscle stiffness as well as nerve damage, which leads to neuropathic pain—a more serious condition.
Neuropathic pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation in your thighs, or numbness in your legs. In more severe cases, you may also experience bowel and bladder problems.
Instead of self-diagnosing your condition, visit a neurosurgery specialist as soon as you can, to determine whether or not you need spinal surgery or another kind of treatment.
Spinal Experts in Houston
Is the chronic back pain getting worse by the day? Have you been experiencing new or more severe symptoms lately? Is your spinal condition impacting your lifestyle and preventing you from going about your routine activities?
At Houston Neurosurgery & Spine, we deal with all varieties of spinal pain and symptoms. Through our minimally invasive procedures such as micro neurosurgery Houston, we can help alleviate neck, back, and shoulder pain. We can also help treat a number of other spinal conditions.
Call us today at 832.522.8500 to schedule an appointment at a back and spine center in Houston.