Spinal Surgery
What is Spinal Surgery ?
Spinal surgery is a medical procedure aimed at correcting spinal conditions, relieving pain, improving mobility, or stabilizing the spine. It is typically considered when non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, and injections fail to provide relief.
Common procedures include discectomy (removal of a damaged disc), laminectomy (relieving spinal cord pressure), spinal fusion (stabilizing the spine), and artificial disc replacement. Advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, help reduce recovery time and complications.While spinal surgery can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain, it carries potential risks like infection, nerve damage, and blood clots.
Types of Spinal Surgery
- Discectomy – Removal of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
- Laminectomy – Removal of part of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal Fusion – Joining two or more vertebrae to provide stability, often used for conditions like scoliosis or severe arthritis.
- Artificial Disc Replacement – Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain movement and flexibility.
- Foraminotomy – Widening of the spinal canal to relieve nerve compression.
- Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty – Treating spinal fractures by injecting cement-like material into the affected vertebra.
Common Conditions Treated with Spinal Surgery
- Herniated Disc
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Fractures
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Scoliosis and Kyphosis
- Tumors and Infections of the Spine
Risks and Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve Damage
- Blood Clots
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
- Spinal Fluid Leak
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Hospital stay varies from 1 to 7 days depending on the procedure.
- Pain management includes medications and physical therapy.
- Full recovery can take weeks to months.
- Lifestyle changes like posture correction and strengthening exercises help in long-term success.