Living with chronic back pain can be exhausting, especially when it starts to interfere with your everyday activities. It’s not uncommon to wonder if surgery is the only solution when you've tried other treatments without much relief. However, surgery isn’t always the first or only option. Understanding when surgery might be needed and when other treatments could still make a difference can help ease your worries.
We spoke to Dr Manish Sontake, Consultant, Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Specialist, Robotic Joint Replacement Specialist, Spine Surgeon, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, who shared important insights on how to recognise when surgery may be the right choice and how it can potentially improve your quality of life.
What are the indicators that spine surgery may be necessary?
According to a 2022 study, spinal surgery plays a key role in relieving radicular pain and disability caused by nerve compression, or when back pain is associated with conditions, such as cancer, infection, or severe spinal instability. Here are some signs that you need spine surgery as listed by Dr Sontake:
1. Chronic Pain Resistant to Treatment
If you’ve endured severe back or neck pain for more than six months and have tried non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and injections—without significant relief, it might be time to consider spine surgery.
If you’ve been living with back or neck pain for more than six months and have tried everything from physical therapy and medications to injections, yet the pain persists or worsens—it might be a sign that non-surgical options aren’t enough. “Chronic pain that doesn't improve with standard treatments could indicate an underlying issue that requires surgical intervention. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease might be causing your pain, and surgery could provide the lasting relief you've been seeking,” said Dr Sontake.
Also Read: Going For A Spine Surgery? Here Is What You Should Know Beforehand
2. Neurological Symptoms
When back pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, it’s a clear warning sign that your nerves may be under pressure. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease can compress the spinal nerves, leading to these neurological symptoms. If you notice any changes in your ability to feel or move certain body parts, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly.
3. Loss of Function or Mobility
"Experiencing difficulty with basic movements, such as walking, standing, or even coordinating your limbs can be a serious concern, especially if it’s coupled with pain," added Dr Sontake.This kind of symptom might indicate that your spine is not functioning properly, possibly due to spinal instability or nerve compression. Surgery may be required to stabilise the spine and restore normal function, allowing you to regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
4. Structural Problems
Certain structural issues, such as scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), severe disc herniation, or spinal instability, might not improve with non-invasive treatments. These conditions can cause significant pain and worsen over time if left untreated. In such cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the structural problem, alleviate pain, and prevent further deterioration of the spine. Surgical intervention can help restore proper alignment and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Also Read: Can Arm Fat Lead To Spinal Fracture? Ways To Reduce It5. Bowel or Bladder Issues
"A sudden loss of control over bowel or bladder function is one of the most urgent signs that you may need spine surgery. This could indicate a condition called cauda equina syndrome, which occurs when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord become compressed," added Dr Sontake. It is a medical emergency that demands immediate surgery to prevent lasting damage to these vital nerves.
Bottomline
Dr Sontake concluded, “While surgery can be an effective treatment for the right candidates, it is important to undergo a thorough evaluation and explore all conservative treatments first. Advancements in minimally invasive techniques have made spine surgery safer and recovery quicker, but it should be considered only when necessary to improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, consulting with a spine expert can help determine the best course of action tailored to your needs.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]