Back or spine surgery is quite common among athletes, and contrary to popular belief, having spine surgery doesn’t mean the end of your athletic career. In fact, it can help you get back on your feet and back into the game, depending on the severity of your condition.
Take Tiger Woods, for example. The famous golfer had at least five back surgeries, including four micro-decompression spine surgeries and a spinal fusion. Despite these surgeries, he managed to make several comebacks.
Before your doctor suggests spine surgery, there are many questions and factors to consider. Often, back pain doesn’t require surgery and may heal on its own within three months. However, if the pain continues for several months, your doctor might recommend surgical treatment. By this time, your doctor has likely tried all possible non-invasive treatments to alleviate your back pain. Besides pain relief, surgery can offer other significant benefits.
Here are different types of back surgery and their associated risks:
1. **Spinal Fusion**: This is the most common surgery for chronic and degenerative back pain. During the procedure, the surgeon permanently connects your spinal bones (vertebrae). While it may limit spinal movement, it usually won’t restrict your normal activities. In rare cases, the vertebrae might not fuse completely. Also, smoking can complicate the healing process, possibly requiring additional surgery. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
2. **Laminectomy**: Often used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this technique involves removing parts of the bone, ligaments, or the entire vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This can ease pain or weakness but may result in an unstable spine, sometimes necessitating a spinal fusion. Your doctor will only recommend this if other treatments have failed.
3. **Discectomy and Microdiscectomy**: This procedure is performed to remove all or part of a herniated disk or a spinal bone that is out of position. Effective for pain radiating to the arms and legs, the surgeon can perform this through a larger incision or a smaller hole (microdiscectomy), the latter commonly used for lumbar disc herniation. Possible risks are infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
4. **Artificial Disk Replacement**: This involves removing the damaged disk and replacing it with an artificial one made of plastic, metal, or both. It’s an alternative to spinal fusion and allows for spinal movement. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, and the artificial disk could slip if not handled carefully. Risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
If you’re experiencing difficulties during workouts or playing sports, and find that you can no longer function normally, it might be time to consult your doctor about your persistent back pain. As you age, your spine becomes more susceptible to various conditions. A professional diagnosis is essential, as you might have conditions ranging from mild to severe.
When medications and other treatments fail to improve your conditions like degenerative disk disease, sciatica, or osteoporosis, surgery might be necessary. If your back pain and limited mobility are affecting your lifestyle, talking to your doctor about the possibility of surgery is a good idea. Surgical treatments are generally considered only after other methods have failed.
Progressive spine problems should be closely monitored by your doctor. If nerve damage occurs, it could lead to paralysis and permanent disability. Be mindful of symptoms like leg numbness and other emergency signs such as loss of bladder or bowel control, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
Spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis can often be treated with medications and physical therapy in their early stages. However, if they become severe, surgery might be necessary.
Your spine is crucial for supporting your body and enabling everyday activities. Keeping it healthy helps maintain your quality of life. Spine injuries often heal with rest and medication, typically within a week to a month, allowing you to return to your usual activities.