Spine surgery is a serious procedure that should only be considered if minimally invasive treatments have failed to deliver results. So before you do a Google search for “spine surgeon near me,” here are a few things you should know.
Who needs spine surgery?
If you’re experiencing pain in your extremities, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. During an appointment, they will perform an evaluation and determine if you need to visit a specialist. They may recommend engaging in exercise or prescribe medication to address the pain.
But if over-the-counter pain medications, physical exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective, then you will need to visit an orthopedic physician for specialized treatment.
If the orthopedic physician diagnoses you with a spinal condition, then the next step may involve minimally invasive treatment, such as home exercise, medication, physical therapy, and/or spinal injections. If these treatments don’t bring pain relief, then you may need to undergo surgery.
Spine surgery can provide pain relief, stabilize the spine, alleviate pressure on a nerve, remove a damaged portion of the disc or bone spurs, and improve stability through spinal fusion.
Traditional spine surgery vs. minimally invasive spine surgery
If you’ve never had spine surgery, then your spine surgeon will discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.
Traditional spine surgery requires complete exposure to the anatomy and typically has a longer recovery process. Minimally invasive spine surgery, on the other hand, involves the use of surgical aids, such as intraoperative spinal navigation, to help visualize the surgical site. The benefits of this type of surgery include less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, lower risk of infection, and a relatively quick recovery.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may not be a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. Be sure to consult with your surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits of traditional spine surgery.
Regardless of which surgery you decide to undergo, the spine surgeons at the Orange County Orthopedic & Pain Center will use the latest surgical techniques and technology to maximize benefits and minimize risk.
What is laser spine surgery?
When searching for a “spine surgeon near me,” you’ll likely come across another type of spine surgery: laser spine surgery. This technologically advanced approach to spine surgery is used to address the cause of neck and back pain and has proven to be more effective and precise than traditional spine surgery.
Compared to other methods of spine surgery, which usually require four to six weeks of recovery, laser spine surgery has a much shorter recovery period of just one to two weeks (depending on the patient’s health and condition). This is because the surgeon makes an incision that is less than one inch in length. Fewer and smaller incisions help to shorten the recovery time and reduce the risk of post-surgical infection.
Another benefit of laser spine surgery is the ability to undergo surgery on an outpatient basis. After the surgery is completed, you can go home without needing to spend the night at the hospital.
Before you do a Google search for “spine surgeon near me”
If you live in Southern California, reach out to the Orange County Orthopedic & Pain Center for an evaluation with a spine surgeon. We’re here to help you find lasting pain relief!