Surgical Procedures for Back Pain Relief

Back pain can be debilitating and prevent you from enjoying your favorite hobbies or even providing for your family. With some 23% of adults experiencing various forms of back pain, the significant impact on daily life underscores the importance of effective back pain treatments that improve quality of life. Many who experience this pain wonder if surgery is the solution and if it’s worth going through the procedure. The good news is that surgical treatments for back pain can have a high success rate and are increasingly becoming a popular option. 

Read on to learn more about when to seek treatment for back pain, what procedures may be necessary, and where to find the best spine doctor in Riverside. 

When is Back Surgery a Good Idea? 

A common question we get at our office is, “When should I consider back surgery?” The answer depends on several factors. First, back surgery may be a good idea when other treatments have failed to provide relief. Some non-invasive back pain treatments you may try first include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. 

Another situation in which surgery may be the answer is when back pain affects your quality of life. If you’re unable to perform work-related tasks or manage activities of daily living at home, back surgery may be necessary. You might also consider back surgery if you are unable to care for personal hygiene or exercise enough to stay healthy. 

Back surgery is often considered for certain conditions that cause severe pain and mobility issues, such as:

• Degenerative Disc Disease: A condition that causes the degeneration of spinal discs and leads to chronic pain and disability.
• Herniated Discs: A back injury that occurs when a vertebral disc protrudes and compresses nearby nerves, causing severe pain and neurological symptoms.
• Scoliosis: A back condition that causes severe and progressive spinal curvature, usually affecting posture and causing pain.
• Kyphosis: A spine condition that causes abnormal spinal curvature and results in significant pain and functional impairment.

In these cases, surgical intervention can help restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Some of the most common surgeries used to relieve back pain include the following:

Discectomy

A discectomy relieves pressure on spinal nerves by removing the damaged portion of a herniated or degenerative disc. This procedure is often necessary when a herniated disc causes significant pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the arms or legs. Usually, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and steroid injections are attempted first, and surgery is recommended if these treatments don’t work. 

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion involves surgically joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion between them and provide stability to the spine. This procedure is often necessary in cases of severe degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformities such as scoliosis. 

By fusing the vertebrae together, the surgery aims to reduce pain caused by abnormal movement and to correct spinal alignment. The procedure involves using bone grafts, metal rods, or screws to hold the vertebrae together while they heal into a single, solid bone. While spinal fusion can significantly improve stability and reduce pain, it also limits the range of motion in the affected part of the spine.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina. This procedure is often necessary when spinal stenosis — a condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal — compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots. By removing part of the lamina, the surgeon creates more space within the spinal canal, relieving nerve pressure. A laminectomy is typically considered when conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications have not provided adequate relief.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves by enlarging the foramina — the openings through which nerve roots exit the spinal column. This procedure is often necessary when these openings become narrowed from conditions like bone spurs, herniated discs, or arthritis. These conditions typically lead to nerve compression and symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness. By removing bone or tissue that is causing the narrowing, a foraminotomy can alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. 

Disc Replacement

Disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. Unlike spinal fusion, which eliminates motion at the affected segment, disc replacement aims to maintain the natural movement and flexibility of the spine. The artificial disc is designed to mimic the function of a natural disc, providing support and cushioning between the vertebrae. Disc replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, making it a valuable option for individuals looking to maintain an active lifestyle.

What to Expect During Back Surgery Recovery

Recovery from back surgery varies significantly depending on the type of procedure you get and your overall health. Generally, patients can expect a hospital stay ranging from a few hours for minimally invasive procedures to several days for more complex surgeries. Pain and discomfort are expected during the initial recovery period, and patients are typically recommended pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxers to help manage these symptoms. 

Physical therapy often begins soon after surgery to help restore mobility, strength, and flexibility. Most patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, twisting, and bending for several weeks to months for proper healing. 

Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor progress and address complications. While some individuals may experience significant improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, others may require several months to recover fully. Maintaining a healthy weight can help the long term success of your back surgery. 

Finding the Best Spine Surgeon in Riverside, California

The primary goal of any back surgery is to alleviate the symptoms, thereby improving mobility and quality of life. Typically, surgery is recommended for anyone who experiences persistent and debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities and overall well-being. The first step in getting relief from back pain is finding a surgeon with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience. 

Dr. Babak Khamsi is committed to utilizing evidence-based medicine and state-of-the-art technology to optimize your back health. Although he advocates for the most conservative and non-invasive approaches first, he is also a leading expert in advanced surgical procedures and has a reputation for highly effective outcomes.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent back injury or a degenerative condition, Dr. Khamsi’s mission is the same — to help you find relief for your back pain quickly and improve your quality of life.

Ready to get permanent relief from back pain with the best spine surgeon in Riverside?