Back surgery to address a problem in the lumbar spine is quite common, because this region of the spine is particularly susceptible to degenerative changes related to years of wear and tear. This is because the lower back is tasked with not only supporting the vast majority of the body’s weight, but also being flexible enough to allow for the regular movement that we require for everyday movement. This combination of high stress and extensive mobility tends to accelerate the natural deterioration that comes with age, and this can sometimes require surgical correction to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Over the years, the anatomical elements in the spinal column naturally begin to deteriorate. For example, the intervertebral discs that cushion and support the spine can rupture or bulge; the vertebral joints that connect adjacent vertebrae become arthritic; ligaments calcify and muscles weaken; the spinal canal becomes constricted; and other changes occur. This is entirely normal and is what accounts for the diminished flexibility and minor aches and pains that most of us associate with getting older. However, when any of these conditions advance to the point that they cause the compression of a nerve root or the spinal cord, severe pain and other troubling symptoms may develop, warranting treatment.

The goal of back surgery in the lumbar spine is not to undo the deterioration but rather to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. This can be accomplished a number of ways, depending on the specific patient, their condition, and other contributing factors. One common surgery that is often recommended is known as spinal fusion surgery. During this surgery, the intervertebral disc is carefully removed and replaced with a bone graft and surgical hardware is installed to stabilize the lumbar spine. This is highly invasive surgery that requires the patient to sacrifice mobility at the affected level of the spine, but can be an effective means of removing the source of the discomfort.

Alternatively, many patients also turn to endoscopic treatment, which is also designed to alleviate pain but is much less invasive by comparison. Requiring only a small incision to allow state-of-the-art equipment to be inserted for access to the spine, the surgeons can make many of the same adjustments that traditionally required a lengthy hospital stay. Not all patients are a candidate for this approach, however, so it is up to the individual to research all of their options before consenting to any one lumbar back spine surgery. For example, a patient who suffers from extensive spondylolisthesis, which is a misalignment of a vertebra in the spinal column, will almost always require spinal fusion in order to maintain spinal stability. However, an individual who deals with pain that is caused by a herniated disc, might find the relief they require from a minimally invasive procedure in an outpatient clinic.

Additionally, it should be noted that while the patient might be eager to schedule an operation to treat their chronic symptoms, surgery is almost always considered the treatment of last resort. More often, a regimen of carefully tailored nonsurgical techniques, such as specific exercises, stretching techniques, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will deliver the results that the patient requires over the course of several weeks or months.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient lumbar back surgery.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in lumbar back surgery. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/back_surgery/lumbar/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient lumbar back surgery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: lumbar back surgery