Back pain is a very annoying thing, isn't it? How much do you suffer from not being able to do any work, not being able to sleep properly at night? Sometimes, even taking medicine and doing various things will not reduce it. So, if your doctor says, "You will have to have an operation," it is normal to suddenly feel very scared. But wait a minute. Unlike in the past, now there are very advanced treatments for back pain, which do not cause much harm to the body, and can help you recover quickly. Let's talk about that today.
Why are these different even though they say 'operation'?
In the past, back surgery was a major operation. It required a large incision and weeks of bed rest. But with modern technology, doctors can perform these surgeries through very small incisions . This is what we call `Minimally Invasive Surgery`.
Simply put, surgeons use special instruments to make small incisions to repair problems in the joints or discs between the vertebrae. These incisions are very small and heal quickly .
This method causes very little damage to the muscles and nerves, so there is less pain after the operation . In most cases, you can get out of bed again within a few hours.
Also, this method causes less bleeding, less scarring, and a much lower risk of infections.
Have you tried these things before surgery?
But remember, surgery is not a quick fix for back pain. Before resorting to any type of surgery, there are other treatments that we should definitely try. Your doctor will probably tell you about these things too.
- Losing weight : When body weight increases, there is a lot of pressure on the spine.
- Painkillers: Taking medications such as ``Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs'' as prescribed by a doctor.
- Appropriate exercises: Doing back strengthening exercises as directed by a physical therapist or doctor.
- Rest: Rest as needed when pain is severe.
- Steroid Injections: Special injections given to reduce pain and swelling.
If your pain doesn't subside after doing these things, your doctor may suggest `Minimally Invasive Surgery` as the next step.
What are the commonly performed minimally invasive surgeries?
There are several main types of surgeries performed under this system. Let's take a look at what they are and what they entail.
| Type of surgery (Procedure) | Simply put, what will happen from this? |
|---|---|
| Discectomy | Removing or reducing the size of a bulging disc between the vertebrae of the spine that is pressing on a nerve. |
| Laminectomy | Removing a bone (lamina) that is pressing on the spinal cord to relieve the pressure. |
| Spinal Fusion | To reduce pain, an unstable joint is fixed with surrounding joints using screws or rods. |
How are these surgeries performed?
Imagine that the surgeon makes a very small incision in your back and inserts a tube-like device (a `tubular retractor`) through it along the spinal cord. Through a small camera or microscope at the end of this tube, the surgical site is clearly visible on a large screen in the operating room. This is what allows the doctor to perform this operation with great precision and precision.
Let's learn about new spinal implants
Sometimes, to correct a bent spine or to stabilize unstable joints, surgeons need to use various devices (implants). These include things like screws, rods, and cages.
But stainless steel is no longer used like before. Modern implants are made of a metal like titanium , which is very strong and has a low risk of infection. Some implants are made of materials like hydroxyapatite, which stimulates bone growth . This helps them to fit well into the body and produce successful results.
But remember, this type of surgery is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will examine you to see if you really need it.
Other solutions for nerve pain
If your back pain is caused by nerve damage, there is a different kind of implant. It is called a spinal cord stimulator . This involves inserting a small device under the skin of your buttocks or abdomen. The electrical pulses it sends will stop you feeling pain and instead, you will feel a tingling sensation. Before getting it permanently implanted, you can try it out to see if it works for you.
If all of this is not done, and the pain is severe and cannot be controlled, an intrathecal pain pump is inserted as a last resort. This releases a powerful painkiller, such as morphine, directly into the area around the spinal cord.
What will future treatments be like?
Medical science is advancing day by day, and more amazing treatments for back pain are expected in the future.
- Stem Cells: Research is currently underway to reduce pain by injecting stem cells into areas of damaged tissue and growing them new.
- 3-D Printing: This technology allows implants to be made to fit each patient's spine exactly.
- Nanotechnology: Scientists are investigating whether a gel made from very small particles can be injected into damaged areas of the spine and regenerate bone or cartilage.
Although these are still in the research stage, it is clear that treatments for back pain will become easier and more effective in the future.
Take-Home Message
- Don't be afraid to go in for surgery if you're offered back pain. There are now much more advanced, less invasive, and faster recovery methods than before.
- Surgery is only considered if all other treatments (weight loss, exercise, medications) have failed.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery is a treatment method that is performed through small incisions, provides quick recovery, and reduces post-operative pain.
- The use of newer implants (such as titanium) has reduced the risk of infection and improved results.
- Only your doctor can decide what treatment is best for you, so be open with him or her about any questions or concerns you may have.
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