Most back pain can be relieved without surgery, but there are times when spinal surgery may be your best option.
Back pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in the U.S., with 8.2% of adults reporting chronic severe back pain. Of that population, nearly 75% say the ongoing pain is so debilitating it impacts their work and mobility. These findings, highlighted in a 2019 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, highlight the significant toll back pain takes on individuals and their quality of life.
The impact extends to the workplace as well, with the same report showing that back pain is the leading cause of disability stemming from job-related incidents. A 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics report reinforces this, showing that spinal injuries make up 38.5% of all occupational musculoskeletal disorders and are the most frequently reported workplace injuries.
If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, you may wonder: Is surgery your best option? What if non-surgical treatments haven’t worked? At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, our experienced doctors are ready to guide you through your options and answer your questions about back surgery in New York.
When you might need back surgery
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we recommend conservative treatments for back pain as the first line of treatment. These include physical therapy, hot and cold therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
However, in certain cases, back surgery may be necessary to effectively treat specific spinal conditions or injuries, such as:
- Degenerative or herniated disc disease unresponsive to conservative therapies
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal deformities, including spinal stenosis or scoliosis
- Bone spurs caused by arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips forward onto another)
- Infections or tumors in the spine
But how do you know when surgery is the right choice? Consider these four signs:
1. Persistent pain. If pain lingers for weeks or months despite conservative treatments—or radiates to your arms or legs—surgery may be beneficial.
2. Reduced mobility. When the back pain worsens to the point where you can’t move without discomfort, surgery may be worth considering.
3. Your leg feels weak. Certain spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, can cause weakness in your legs. In this case, surgery can help decrease the pain and improve your mobility.
4. You’ve suffered a spinal fracture. Surgery is often needed to address fractures caused by accidents or injuries.
Types of back surgery
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates more than 1.2 million spinal surgeries are performed nationally each year. Common spinal surgeries for back surgery New York patients include:
1. Diskectomy. Removal of part of a herniated disc to relieve nerve pressure.
2. Laminectomy. Removal of part of the spinal bone to create space in the spinal canal, often used for spinal stenosis.
3. Spinal fusion. Fusing two vertebrae to eliminate painful friction caused by deformities or recurrent herniated discs.
4. Artificial disc placement. Replacement of a damaged disc with a plastic-and-metal alternative.
What to expect the day of your back surgery
Any type of surgery can be a stressful experience, but our dedicated team at New York Bone & Joint Specialists will ensure your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Before the surgery. You’ll receive preoperative instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking, as well as a review of medications you should or shouldn’t take. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility.
The day of the surgery. Arrive two hours before the surgery. This gives the staff time to check your vital signs and ensure you’re healthy enough for the operation. The doctor and anesthesiologist will also discuss the details of the surgery and any allergies you may have. Then, you will be taken into the operating room.
After the surgery. You’ll wake up in the recovery room. Once cleared for discharge, you’ll need someone to drive you home. You’ll receive pain medication (if necessary) and follow-up instructions. Physical therapy may begin shortly after to aid recovery.
For more details about preparing for your back surgery in New York, visit our comprehensive surgery prep blog.
Go to the best place for back surgery in New York
Looking for a place to have your back surgery in New York? At New York Bone & Joint, our doctors and staff have years of training in back surgery and will ensure yours is a success. As a leading sports medicine center, we can treat every type of orthopedic issue, including those related to the spine. Don’t live with back pain any longer. Make an appointment with us today.
