Roughly 90 percent of the population will experience spine-related aches and pains at one time or another, so it's not unusual to have back pain. It's just as common for people with back pain to turn to over-the-counter meds for relief or explore various forms of physical therapy. There's nothing wrong with this approach to spine pain management. In fact, it's entirely possible to manage your discomfort effectively with the right conservative treatments. However, it's just as important to be aware of the five signs discussed below that suggest you may need back surgery.
1. Conservative Treatments Haven't Worked
Unless you’re experiencing debilitating or potentially life-threatening symptoms, back surgery usually isn't immediately or absolutely necessary. For this reason, most doctors or spine specialists won't even discuss surgery until you've tried physical therapy exercises, lifestyle changes, medication, massage therapy, and other conservative options for several months with little or no success. If you've reached a point where it seems nothing is working, it may be time to discuss surgery.2. Your Pain Is Quickly Worsening
If back pain is due to soft tissue injury issues, you'll likely experience intense pain that gradually goes away over time. Even with disc degeneration, you may reach a point where discomfort naturally lessens. However, if your pain suddenly worsens after being manageable for a while, start the discussion with a spine specialist about your surgical options.3. Your Activities Are Increasingly Limited
It's reasonable to accept you'll reach a point in life where you won't be able to be as active as you were before your spine was affected by age-related changes or injuries. If your back pain is keeping you from doing things you love, such as swimming, biking, walking for more than short durations, or playing with your kids or grandchildren, surgery may be worth considering.4. You Have Shooting/Radiating Pain
If your back pain is sometimes accompanied by numbness and tingling sensations extending to arms, legs, shoulders, or thighs, it usually means a nerve around your spine is being compressed. You may benefit from decompression techniques, postural exercises, and other nonsurgical treatments. However, if such efforts still leave with you shooting or radiating pain, you may experience better results with surgery that frees your compressed nerve(s).5. Other Aspects of Your Health Are Affected
Spine-related discomfort can gradually have an impact on your overall health if you regularly rely on home remedies or conservative pain management methods. For instance, if you begin to change the way you walk just to relieve lower back pain, you may develop pain in other areas because you’re overstressing different muscle groups. Surgery may also be beneficial if your back pain is contributing to:- Bladder problems
- Recurring headaches
- Difficulty getting a good night's sleep
If you really wish to delay or avoid back surgery, talk to your doctor about conservative treatments you haven't yet considered, or consider alternative options such as chiropractic care. If surgery is your best chance for relief, take comfort in knowing many common spine procedures are performed today with less invasive techniques.
If you’d like to learn more about treatments for spinal pain or are interested in a second opinion, reach out to Los Angeles spine surgeon Dr. Hyun Bae and his team at The Spine Institute. Dr. Bae specializes in minimally invasive back surgery as well as motion-preserving spine surgery. Call our office today at 310-828-7757 to schedule a consultation.
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