Chronic back pain can significantly disrupt your life. As a neurosurgeon, I prioritize exhausting non-surgical options first. While I can’t give specific advice, let’s explore how to decide if spine surgery is right for you.
Surgery is often a last resort. Physical therapy, medication, and injections may provide relief. Discuss these with your doctor to see if pain relief is achievable without surgery.
Signs Surgery Might Be Necessary
- Persistent pain: Pain that significantly impacts daily activities for months despite conservative treatment.
- Neurological issues: Weakness, numbness, or tingling radiating down the legs.
- Severe spinal deformity or instability: Curvatures like scoliosis or kyphosis that limit mobility or cause pain, and fractures, disc herniations, or severe spinal stenosis that create instability may justify surgery.
Minimally invasive techniques are becoming more prevalent, offering faster recovery times.
The decision-making process:
- Consult a qualified spine specialist: Discuss your medical history, symptoms, and goals for treatment.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans provide a clear picture of your spine.
- Weigh the risks and benefits: Understand the potential complications, success rates and expected recovery time.
Dr. Darakchiev is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of brain, spine and peripheral nerve disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call 631-690-9080.
