Low back pain - Operation

   Surgery is rarely performed for the treatment of low back pain. In most cases, back pain can not be removed by surgery.

   The majority of spine surgery is performed to treat herniated discs. Although not all people with a herniated disc surgery is needed. The operation can be carried out when the problems with the disc causing sciatica. For more information, see the section "herniated disk."

   Sometimes surgery is performed to treat spinal stenosis, if it causes severe symptoms. As with a herniated disc, not all people with spinal stenosis surgery is needed. 

The operation can also be seen in the following cases:

• Spinal fractures caused by trauma.

• Spinal infections such as osteomyelitis or abscess.

• Illnesses "unstable spine," such as spondylolisthesis.

• Tumors of the spinal cord.

Rehabilitation after surgery

    After most of the operations on the spine is very important is a complete program of rehabilitation. Once you restore the flexibility of your back and strengthen the abdominal muscles, a well as increase the duration of your activity, you increase the success of your treatment.

   If you can not or do not want to do physical therapy after surgery, you may not be a good candidate for surgery. 

Selection of operations

    If non-surgical treatment has been unsuccessful and your doctor suggests you consider the option of surgery, type of procedure, he or she will recommend will depend on the cause of your back problems and the surgeon's preference.

• Surgery for herniated disc removes disc material that presses on the spinal cord or nerve root. For more information, see:

Should I have surgery for a herniated disc?

• Surgery for spinal stenosis (spinal decompression with or without spinal fusion) is expanding the narrowing of the spinal canal and reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root.

• Spinal fusion (spondilosindes) in spondylolisthesis and other diseases "unstable spine" connects together the vertebrae and relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root, a well as strengthens the spine.

• Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty ease the pain of compression fractures.

• Operation infections, including reorganization of the wound with or without spinal fusion or drainage of the abscess.

• The operation to remove the damaged disk reconstruction osteochondrosis of the intervertebral disc and replace it with an artificial disc. Takaya operation is being carried out only by trained surgeons carefully selected patients.

• Operation of spinal cord tumors comprising tumor removal and stabilization with or without spinal fusion.

What to think about

    Back surgery is not always successful. Depending on the disease can still suffer from back pain.   If you and your doctor are considering surgery, gather as much information about the possible consequences, a well as consider whether you go through the program of physiotherapy after the operation. It would also be nice to hear a second opinion before deciding on surgery.