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Common Myths About Spine Surgery Debunked by Experts

Spine Surgery
Understanding-Heart-Disease Spinal health is the basis of an individual’s overall health but mostly neglected. When it comes to treatment, a large number of people refuse spine surgery, which can be life saviour, due to fear and misunderstanding. These false beliefs can result in prolonging the treatment thus causing the problem to become critical over time. In this article, with the help of the best neurosurgeon in Hisar from Sarvesh Health City, we will uncover the common myths related to spine surgery so that patients get to know what is true and what is not.

Myth 1: Spine Surgery Is Always Risky

The Fact: With medical progress, spine surgery is much safer than before. Some procedures like minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery have made it possible for doctors to do the same operations that were done through large skin cuts now through small cuts (often less than one inch) with less damage to the surrounding tissues. That, in turn, leads to:

  • Shorter stays in the hospital
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Reduced risk of side effects
  • Shorter recovery period

Myth 2: Spine Surgery Can Result in Permanent Disability

The Fact: It is really a myth. Permanent disability due to spine surgery is very rare, particularly when the surgery is done by experienced neurosurgeons. The majority of patients who have surgery are able to get back their movement and continue their normal activities if they have followed the treatment plan given to them by their rehabilitation therapist. Surgery is carried out after careful risk assessments by the surgeon thereby taking the safest route.

Myth 3: Bed Rest Is the Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Back Pain

The Fact: Spine issues that lead to back pain will get worse with extended bed rest. Although a brief period of rest may bring relief during intense pain episodes, the total lack of activity will cause the muscles around the spine to become weak and the recovery process will be slower. Doctors advise that one should remain somewhat active and do exercises and physical therapy as per their condition.

Myth 4: Surgery of the Spinal Cord is Only for Older People

The Fact: Bad posture, sitting all day, and getting hurt have made people under 30 that need spine therapy come more often. A lot of them get some operations like minimally invasive surgery or microdiscectomy done to treat the herniated disc or issues in the nerves. Age is only a factor among others, the extent of the problem decides if surgery is necessary.

Myth 5: Recovery Takes Months After Surgery

The Fact: Open surgeries in the past could take very long to heal, but with minimally invasive surgical procedures, patients can be readmitted to their normal life after a much shorter period. Smaller cuts imply less scarring, less blood loss and quicker recovery. Most patients are able to walk as early as one day or two after surgery, with the care of their physician.

Myth 6: Multiple Surgeries Will Be Needed Later

The Fact: The majority of patients do not need to undergo any other surgeries in case the initial surgery is carried out properly. Proper post-operative care, correct diagnosis and the selection of the appropriate procedure reduces repeat surgery.

Myth 7: Spine Surgery Increases Pain

The Fact: The main goal of the spine operation is pain reduction, not augmentation. Generally, the majority of patients feel a considerable drop of their pain after spine surgery since the cause will be eliminated (e.g. nerve compression or disc hernia). It is quite expected that the recovery process will be accompanied by some pain, but the occurrence of severe or lasting pain after surgery is rare when the appropriate operation has been chosen.

Myth 8: If you have back pain you are automatically required to have surgery

The Fact: More than eighty to eighty-five percent of the cases of back and neck pain are resolved with non-invasive treatments, which include physiotherapy, medication, specific exercises, and changes in lifestyle. Only if the problem persists after these attempts or there is a significant structural disorder, e.g. instability of the spine, will surgery be considered as an option.

Myth 9: Older Adults Are Better off without Surgery

The Truth: Just because a person is old doesn’t mean that he or she cannot undergo spinal surgery. Nowadays, with the use of modern procedures and the effect of anesthesia, seniors with severe and long-lasting back pain or spine deformities are able to undergo surgery and get relief. The main issue moves from pain to life, which is the mission of the surgery, that is to regain the lost movement and self-reliance.

Myth 10: Spine Surgery is a Certified Cure

The Fact: Although surgery can work miracles with the pain and will help the lost function to be restored, it is unlikely that it will completely get rid of all the symptoms. The process of healing generally involves a period when one needs to undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy, as well as make adjustments in his/her lifestyle so that the positive effects of the operation will continue and the disease will not recur.

Spine surgery has significantly improved over time, making it possible for patients to be treated with less risk, effectively, and through less intrusive methods for different spinal issues. With that said, postponing treatment because of the misunderstandings can lead to the aggravation of symptoms and decrease the quality of life. 

In case the pain in your back or neck lasts for a long time, you should see the best neurosurgeon in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City, so that you can get a clear idea of the treatment modalities available to you. It should be kept in mind that spine surgery is not to be dreaded; most of the time, it is the way to cease the pain and return to being self-sufficient.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if I really need spine surgery? 

Ans. A neurosurgeon will only suggest an operation after they have tried all conservative treatments and these have failed. They may also recommend it when there is severe nerve compression, spinal instability, or the risk of permanent damage..

Q2: Can I avail minimally invasive spine surgery in India?

Ans. Yes, quite a few top hospitals including Sarvesh Health City provide cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures which result in faster recovery.

Q3: How soon can I walk after spine surgery? 

Ans. Most of the time, in minimally invasive surgery cases, patients are allowed to walk within 24–48 hours. However, this should be done under medical supervision..

Q4: Can spine surgery treat sciatica or slipped discs? 

Ans. Certainly. The surgeries like microdiscectomy are done to release nerve compression and to stop the pain caused by sciatica or slipped discs are the most common ones.

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Umesh-Kalra
DR. UMESH KALRA

CHAIRMAN & SR. NEUROSURGEON

Discover Dr. Umesh Kalra, Chairman & Sr. Neurosurgeon at the leading Neurosurgery Hospital in Hisar, trusted for brain & spine excellence