Back Surgery & Recurring Back Pain

by Eric Rose

Overview

If you are one of the millions suffering from recurring back pain, then having an understanding of treatment options is essential. Although there are many non-invasive procedures to treat back pain, if those fail to alleviate symptoms, back surgery becomes a viable option and should be considered.
Before Back Surgery

Prior to back surgery you will need to undergo an MRI to help determine the cause of back pain. Your surgeon will use the MRI results in conjunction with other tests to determine the surgical procedure that will be most beneficial for your condition.

Types of Back Surgery

There are different back surgeries performed to treat specific spinal injuries and conditions. These range from minimally invasive laser surgeries to more complex procedures.
Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive surgeries are often done as outpatient procedures or with an overnight hospital stay, and have shorter recovery times. These include laser discectomies and other types of microsurgery.
Invasive Procedures

Some surgical procedures, especially those used to treat problems with the vertebrae, are often more complex and require general anesthesia and longer hospital stays, and have extended recovery times.
Misconceptions

Although back surgery shows high success rates in alleviating back pain, it comes with inherent risks and should always be considered your last choice in treatment.