While most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, only a small proportion will require back surgery to correct the underlying problem. Typically considered a treatment of last resort, back surgery is a major undertaking that usually requires a long recovery period. The specific type of surgery needed depends on the specific underlying back problem and degree of disability.
Reasons
The basic reason for back surgery is to relieve pain in the back. For some, this pain is the result of an injury to the spine, such as after an accident. Others may develop spinal problems as a result of a degenerative disease such as osteoporosis. Progressive conditions such as scoliosis, which causes spinal curvature, may also lead to a need for surgery. In some individuals, the normal wear and tear on the spine causes degenerative disk disease that may require surgical repair.
Types
There are many different types of back surgery. A diskectomy is performed to remove part of a herniated disk. In a laminectomy, small bones or bone spurs are removed. Spinal fusion permanently fuses two bones together in the spine. Vertebroplasty and khyphoplasty are used to relieve compressed vertebrae. Foraminotomy can be done to open the area where nerves leave the spine.
Necessity
According to MayoClinic.com, 90 percent of individuals with back pain find relief within six weeks without surgery and only 5 percent end up with chronic pain lasting more than three months. Nonsurgical measures are typically attempted before resorting to back surgery. SpineUniverse recommends getting a second opinion on the need for back surgery before committing to a procedure.
Alternatives
Many back problems can be resolved through lifestyle changes, including resting the back, losing weight and physical therapy. Medication to relieve back pain while the injury heals on its own is another option. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, alternative remedies such as biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture may be helpful for some people.
Recovery
The length of recovery depends on the specific type of surgery done on the back and the degree of damage that required correction. For diskectomy or foraminotomy surgery, the recovery time is typically less than two weeks, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Laminectomy and spinal fusion surgery may require up to six months before the patient is able to resume normal activity, including returning to work, especially if the patient is an older individual.
