When is Spine Surgery Needed?
The good news is that most patients with back pain don’t require surgery. Conservative measures are usually tried before spinal surgery is considered. These conservative treatments
may include medications, physical therapy and epidural steroids.
Spinal surgery ranges from the relatively minor to the more complicated. The extent of the
surgery depends on the condition being treated and where the condition occurs in the spine.
Conditions that can be treated surgically include herniated discs, spinal stenosis (spinal canal
narrowing), bone spurs, fractures, spondylolisthesis (bone slippage), scoliosis and other less common conditions.
Surgery may be required for patients who are experiencing severe pain or pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms may include back or neck pain; pain, numbness or weakness of an arm or a leg; and with spinal cord pressure, may include weakness, bowel and bladder problems or difficulty walking.
Pain Relief Is Within Your Reach
The Northside Hospital Spine Center is staffed by a team of back and spine care specialists. No physician referral is needed. To make an appointment, call (404) 459-1809.
