Back Health: More surgeries for treating back pain, back injuries
In our last installment of the Deuterman Law Group's Back Health blog series, we highlighted some of the commonsurgeries for treating back injuries. Those included laminectomy, discectomy and IDET.
Today, we take up where we left off with a discussion of other surgical treatments for back pain, namely spinal fusion, artifical disc replacement and radio frequency ablation.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is surgery that is performed to prevent movement between vertebrae by fusing the two vertebrae together.
The fusion happens through stabilizing screws, a bone graft or a combination of both placed between the two vertebrae that need to be immobilized. The graft then “welds” the two vertebrae resulting in something similar to one larger vertebra.
When the vertebrae are fused, the pain that resulted from the movement of the two vertebrae is lessened.
However the pain and recovery following the procedure can be more intense and longer than that with other surgeries. Bone takes a long time to heal, and the recovery can last as much as 4-6 months during which time your activities will be restricted.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial Disc Replacement is a relatively new procedure, first used in 2004. As the name suggests, this procedure involves the removal of a disc which is bulging or herniated and in its place, inserting an artificial disc. The idea is similar to that of a hip or knee replacement surgery.
The artificial disc then serves as the cushion between the two vertebrae and allows for greater freedom of movement than typically occurs in spinal fusion patients. Because the procedure is still considered experimental, patients are carefully screened to be sure that they are a good candidate for an artificial disc replacement.
Radiofrequency ablation
Although the name sounds more science fiction than medical, radiofrequency ablation simply involves the destruction (ablation) of a medial branch nerve in the spine.
Medial branch nerves are located on either side of the vertebrae. The surgeon uses high frequency radio waves to generate heat that burns the nerve. When the nerve is ablated, or killed, it can no longer transmit pain impulses. Therefore the brain never receives the “pain message” from the nerve.
Radiofrequency ablation is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. While pain may continue for several days after the procedure, most patients are fully recovered within a month.
Remember, the information in this blog is meant for education and is not a substitute for treatment. If you are experiencing back pain, see a doctor. Do no attempt to treat yourself.
Coming next: Our Back Health Blog has covered common causes of back pain and some of the more common treatments and surgeries. In our next installment of this series, we’ll review “life after surgery” and look at what you may experience while you recover from your operation or procedure.