Sometimes, because of the function of the spine and its components, it can get affected by various conditions. In that case, a specialist in Dayton spine surgery can help relieve your pain and discomfort and improve spinal function.
Often, your health provider will recommend non-invasive treatments if you have a problem affecting your spine. That is because non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures often have minimal risks and side effects. For example, if you undergo spinal surgery, you will have a lengthy recovery period and may be at risk of infections and persistent post-surgery pain.
But, even with the potential drawbacks of spinal surgery, it can be a reliable option. That is if non-surgical treatments do not relieve spinal dysfunction and pain. Below are prevalent spinal conditions that can make your doctor recommend spinal surgery.
Spondylosis
According to the University of Washington, more than 250,000 adult Americans suffer from cervical spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis is a general medical term associated with the natural wear and tear of the neck’s disks (cervical spine).
Generally, most people affected by spondylosis do not have signs and symptoms. However, if symptoms appear, they may include neck stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain from the spinal discs of the neck.
A surgical procedure for treating spondylosis may involve your doctor removing bone spurs in the neck and then fusing the remaining healthy bones. Alternatively, your doctor might prefer to remove damaged spinal discs and thus create more space for the spinal cord.
Spinal disc herniation
Also called a bulged, ruptured, or herniated disc, spinal disc herniation involves the soft center or nucleus of the spinal disc pushing through into the spinal canal.
Spinal disc herniation can occur because of degeneration of the discs and the materials that hold them in place. Still, a physical injury or prolonged strain can also cause a bulging disc.
Herniated discs can irritate and inflame the surrounding nerves and spinal cord and cause pain. Also, you will most likely experience numb and weak legs and arms.
Your surgeon can ensure you are suitable for spinal surgery to improve spinal disc herniation. Your spinal surgeon will consider your health, general well-being, and age.
Compressed nerve
Like other nerves, spinal nerves send chemical or electrical communications between the brain, spinal cord, and other sections of your body. Some spinal nerves or a nerve section can become compressed and pinched because of prolonged, repetitive motions or injury. Nerve compression can occur between the spinal bones, tendons, or ligaments.
Your surgeon’s surgical procedure can help decompress and release a pinched nerve. For example, your surgeon can remove part of a herniated disc or bone spurs.
Spinal narrowing
The narrowing of the cervical or lumbar spinal canal can cause nerve roots and spinal cord pinching. You become prone to bladder and bowel control loss if you have severe spinal stenosis or narrowing. Your inner thighs, legs, back, arms, and hands can also be numb and weak, and you can have difficulty maintaining balance.
Contact Vertrae(R) today to schedule a consultation with a specialist in spinal surgery.