Committing to back or spine surgery can be a difficult decision. The risks are very real and can be scary for many people. Unlike non-invasive approaches to care, such as chiropractic adjustments, back surgery comes with several risks, including infections, blood clots, Dural tears, and potential nerve injuries. Despite the challenges and complications, there are over a half million back surgeries performed annually in America. However, experts are beginning to question the effectiveness and necessity of some of these procedures. It’s important to learn all the information you can before determining whether aggressive and invasive back treatment, such as surgery, is right for you.
At Governor’s Park Chiropractic, we’re proud to be Denver’s leading full-service chiropractic care office. Serving a range of patients throughout Denver, Lone Tree, Wheat Ridge, and the Denver metro area, we offer a range of healthcare services to help you recover from injury and boost your overall health. Some of our treatments include chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, acupuncture therapy, massage therapy, custom orthotics, and more. With unmatched dedication and extensive years of experience, your team at Governor’s Park Chiropractic can speed up your recovery, provide quick and lasting pain relief, and help you live a happier, healthier life.
COMMON FORMS OF BACK SURGERY
The most common type of back surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic, is discectomy. This type of back surgery removes areas of a herniated disc and some of the vertebrae. This surgical procedure, compared to other surgical alternatives, is more effective for treating pain throughout the arms or legs caused by a compressed nerve—not pain in the neck or back. Your doctor may recommend a discectomy if surgical alternatives, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy, are not sufficient.
Spinal fusion is another common form of back surgery. In this procedure, a surgeon removes the spinal disk between two or more of the patient’s vertebrae. They then fuse the adjacent vertebrae together using bone grafts or small metal devices. As a common side effect, spinal fusion often results in loss of flexibility in the spine and also requires a long recovery period so that the bone grafts can grow and fuse with the vertebrae.
Another popular back surgery is called laminectomy, which is the process of removing bone overlying the spinal canal. This type of back surgery may address chronic back pain caused by an injury, herniated disk, tumors, or narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis. This process can ease the pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Implanting artificial discs and connecting two or more bones within the spine (fusion) also are popular surgeries.
GROWING CONCERNS ABOUT BACK SURGERIES
Despite the number of these surgeries performed throughout the world, it’s important to note that it’s relatively common for back surgeries to fail. Since 2001, spinal fusion procedures have risen by over 70 percent. This is due to the soaring back pain problems experienced by many Americans. In fact, chronic back pain has been listed as one of the top reasons Americans go to their doctor. Unfortunately, back pain is a common issue that often isn’t alleviated by surgery. Surgeries may be able to relieve certain types of pain, but it isn’t always necessary in relation to effectively treating back conditions.
There was a research study with 1,450 patients who had nerve disease, degenerative disc disease, and/or disc herniation. Half of the group was given spinal fusion surgery and the other wasn’t. After two years, only 26 percent of those who received surgery were able to go back to work, while 67 percent weren’t able to return to their jobs. A 41 percent increase in pain medication use was also noted in those who received spinal fusion surgery. This study serves as just one important piece of evidence as to why more and more Americans are looking into non-invasive alternatives to back surgery, such as chiropractic care or adjustments.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO BACK SURGERY
Whether performed on the lumbar spine or any other part of your spine, there are many risks associated with back surgery. Additionally, back surgery often requires a long-term recovery period, which means you may be out of commission for weeks or even months following your surgical procedure.
Chiropractic care is one of the leading alternatives to back surgery as it can effectively treat back pain, limited mobility, and other symptoms related to injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Compared to invasive treatments, such as surgery or prescription medication, chiropractic adjustments are safe and can provide lasting relief from pain. This is because chiropractic care works with your body, not against it, and helps your body heal naturally.
There are also a few side effects related to this type of treatment. If anything, some patients may report a mild soreness for a day or two after their adjustment, similar to how you’d feel after a good workout. But this symptom is actually a positive sign as it signals that your body is healing. If you search for chiropractors near me online, this could be an important first step to finding pain relief and an answer to your back problems.
CONCLUSION – CHIROPRACTIC CARE: A NON-INVASIVE ALTERNATIVE TO BACK SURGERY
Before you decide to undergo back surgery, make sure to get a second opinion from your physician or an experienced chiropractor so that you can consider alternative, minimally invasive options, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even weight loss.
Compared to invasive treatment options, chiropractic care comes with far fewer risks and complications. As a holistic approach to healthcare, chiropractic care treats the entire body and encourages your body to heal naturally. Receiving regular chiropractic adjustments can also improve your mobility and reduce your risk of future injuries.
Our experienced and friendly chiropractic staff understands that each recovery is unique. That’s why we develop personalized treatment plans for each of our patients. Whether you’re in need of vertigo treatment, general chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy, or custom orthotics, our evidence-based treatments can accelerate your recovery and get you back to the life you love. No matter your healthcare needs or goals, Governor’s Park is on your side.
Contact us today and discover what our full-service chiropractic office can do for you.