When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option
Most people who develop back pain want to avoid surgery — and that’s a great instinct. At Spinal Diagnostics, we always prioritize conservative and minimally invasive treatments first.
That said, back surgery remains a necessary and effective solution for some conditions when other approaches fail. So, how do you know when surgery is the right option?
When to try nonsurgical care
Back surgery is rarely the first line of treatment. In most cases, we recommend starting with:
- Physical therapy
- Postural adjustments
- Medication management
- Injections or nerve blocks
- Minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation
These approaches aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support healing without major interventions. They also allow us to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms more clearly over time.
Signs you may need surgery
We may recommend surgery if:
- You’ve tried conservative care for several months with little or no relief
- Your imaging (like an MRI or CT scan) shows clear structural damage that compresses your nerves or spinal cord
- You have progressive muscle weakness or numbness in your legs
- You’re experiencing bowel or bladder issues due to spinal nerve compression
Conditions that often require surgery include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal instability caused by trauma or arthritis.
What types of back surgeries are available?
The right procedure depends on your diagnosis. Some common surgical options include:
- Laminectomy: Removes part of the bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
- Discectomy: Removes a portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve
- Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to prevent painful movement
- Artificial disc replacement: Replaces a damaged disc with a prosthetic one
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are often available, which can reduce downtime, scarring, and overall recovery time.
We guide you every step of the way
At Spinal Diagnostics, we work closely with you to determine whether surgery is the right path. If it is, we coordinate care with trusted surgical specialists and ensure you’re well-prepared before and after your procedure.
It’s never easy to consider back surgery, but for the right person, it can be life-changing.
If you’re dealing with persistent back pain and wondering what’s next, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll help you explore all your treatment options and move forward with confidence.