Tuesday 9 June 2015

Back and Spine Surgery Is It For You ?

7 Day Back Pain Cure Free Back Pain Book. Written by the Healthy Back Institute- Steve Hefferon and Jesse Cannone- who are the guys who worked with me to help me get my life back from severe sciatic pain in both legs and low back pain.This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will help to to understand your back and sciatic pain. It will give you more than the first steps, covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. - See more at: http://lifewithmypetback.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/tips-for-vacationing-with-bad-back.html#sthash.R9a2ku11.dpuf

 Back And Spine Surgery

If you are considering spinal surgery or have had back surgery suggested to you, it is vital that you are fully informed about All the options- surgical and non surgical and the risks and benefits to you. This post covers some of these considerations in back surgery.

To undergo spine surgery is a serious decision and is not to be undertaken lightly, you need to be certain it is the correct choice for you. There are many different surgeries that may be considered for you. 

It is important that you know the reasons and the differences. Just some of them are Discectomy, Foraminotomy, IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET), Spinal Fusion and Spinal Laminectomy.


Unless there are circumstances which make spine surgery urgent and essential it is always worthwhile talking through the pros and cons of having the surgery with your healthcare providers and surgeon and if possible considering trying less invasive alternatives first.

Do You Really Need Spine Surgery? - Dr Aaron Filler -Neurosurgeon

A Neuro Surgeon's Guide to Back and Neck Pain and how to choose your treatment. Dr Aaron Filler gives useful information to help you understand and be an active participant in the care of your back and spine.

Questions To Ask Your Surgeon About Spine Surgery

These are some questions I asked when I was referred to a neurosurgeon to consider having surgery. There may well be many more you can think of but just a starting point.

I dont know about you but my mind goes blank when i am in a surgeons office so i found it best to write down all my questions first then I can just read them.

My neurosurgeon said he liked it when people came in prepared as he then knew that concerns were addressed.

Questions you may like to ask your surgeon about your back issues and surgery

There are several questions you can ask a spine surgeon to help you more thoroughly understand your prospective surgery and instil confidence in your selection of a surgeon.


  • What is the exact diagnosis?
  • What assessments will you do and what will the assessments tell you about my condition?
  • Is it essential/urgent I have back surgery now? If yes why?
  • If it is not urgent/essential I have surgery now can I try other treatments first then come back?
  • What is the specific back pain surgery you are proposing? How will this help me?
  • What is the prognosis for my back if I do not have surgery?
  • Do I need any other tests for my spine/back or general health ? If so which ones? What will they tell you?
  • Is there a waiting list for back surgery? If so how long?
  • What happens if the back surgery doesnt work?
  • Could I be worse off/more backpain or sciatica after the surgery?
  • What are the risks to my spine or my general health?
  • How long will I be in recovery after the back surgery?
  • Will I need to do any maintenance or back exercises after the surgery? If so what?
  • How many appointments will I need? How frequently?
  • What exactly will this treatment do for me?
  • Will it cost me anything?
  • How often do you /this hospital perform this back surgery?
The bottom line is to be as informed as possible before you make a decision.

I've Got Your Back-The Truth About Spine Surgery, Straight From A Surgeon

Educate Yourself About Back Surgery - Learn about spine surgery

If you are contemplating back and spine surgery it is vital that you educate yourself and learn about what it means for you.

This will enable you to discuss your options better with your healthcare team and have more of an idea what you need ot ask and what the pros and cons are with any surgery. Before condering any back surgery you need to carefully consider all the risks and benefits and discuss this thoroughly with your healthcare team. Unless it is an emergency you need to be given the time to do this. It is your back.

Spinal Surgery-Written By A Surgeon

Educating Yourself Before Preparing For Spinal Surgery

It is important that if you decide to go ahead with back surgery you are fully prepared and have done all you can to prepare yourself to give it the best chance of success.

This book is written by a Spine Surgeon discussing in straightforward terms the pros and cons of spine surgery and is a useful way to educate yourself.

Spinal Surgery Written Simply by a Spinal Surgeon



Leacho Contoured Body Pillow 

 Full body pillows like Leachco Back 'N Belly Contoured Body Pillow can be wonderful for helping to relieve pressure on your body. This one provides support for your back and tummy and you do not need to keep repositioning you simply turn from side to side. It helps align hips for a neutral joint positioning hence less stress. It is mentioned that it is good for sciatica, gastric reflux, congestion, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.  

  Full body pillows generally help to bring your body, hips, shoulders and spine into better alignment and thus to support your back better.

If you have already had back surgery please do check with your doctor first before using any body pillow or back support.


    Spine Issues? Body Pillow Memory Foam

     A body pillow can be very comforting for any back issues and help you to sleep and rest better.

    The advantage of Memory foam is that it moulds to your shape and gives support.

    Check with your doctor before purchase or use if you have had spine surgery


     The Original Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow with Bamboo Cover By Coop Home Goods - Made in the USA Hypoallergenic and Dust Mite Resistant


    Free Back Pain Book To Help You. Written by The Healthy Back Institute who helped me sort my back pain.


    7 Day Back Pain Cure Free Back Pain Book (Just pay a shipping/handling fee). If you would like to understand and educate yourself more about your back this is an excellent starting point.
    Learn about the back and different available treatment options, which work and which may be ones you could consider. Especially if you are wanting to consider treatments to see if they will work prior to back surgery or instead of spinal surgery then this book will help you.

    Surgery is not the only option and you would be wise to think about all the other options and ask if you are Ok to try less invasive treatments first to see if they will help you before having to go through surgical procedures.

    7 Day Back Pain Cure Free Back Pain Book. Written by the Healthy Back Institute- Steve Hefferon and Jesse Cannone- who are the guys who worked with me to help me get my life back from severe sciatic pain in both legs and low back pain.This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will help to to understand your back and sciatic pain. It will give you more than the first steps, covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. - See more at: http://lifewithmypetback.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/tips-for-vacationing-with-bad-back.html#sthash.R9a2ku11.dpuf
     Day Back Pain Cure Free Back Pain Book. Written by the Healthy Back Institute- Steve Hefferon and Jesse Cannone- who are the guys who worked with me to help me get my life back from severe sciatic pain in both legs and low back pain.This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will help to to understand your back and sciatic pain. It will give you more than the first steps, covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. - See more at: http://lifewithmypetback.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/tips-for-vacationing-with-bad-back.html#sthash.R9a2ku11.dpuf

    Here are some comments I have had regarding spinal surgery when this post was published on another site I worked on. 



    RaintreeAnnie
    @sierradawn lm: Thank you. Do ask all the questions you need of the specialists etc and so you understand all the risks/benefits.



    sierradawn lm
    I am suppose to have back surgery according to the 5 different specialists that I have seen but I am very apprehensive about doing it. I appreciated all the comprehensive information you presented here!



    SciaticaReliefT 
    Very comprehensive info on back surgery! Back surgery is one way to treat back pain but this method should really only be considered as the last resort right?


    anonymous 
    Surgery has a very limited role in the treatment of back pain. Although it is probably offered to patients more often than is necessary (this is, after all, how surgeons make their living), there are a few good reasons to have surgery. A small number of surgeons think the only way to cure a medical condition is with cold, hard steel. There are also some surgeons whose only interest in the patient is in the fee they collect; they collect more for doing surgery than for talking patients out of surgery. Honest, ethical surgeons give the patient options and honest opinions. The problem may be in figuring out who is being honest and who isn't.
    Most insurance companies, especially workers compensation companies, would prefer not to pay for surgery, or long term rehabilitation instead of, or following, surgery. The less they pay out for procedures or physical therapy, the more profit they make. Stock holders like that; patients don't. And if insurance companies can find a way to no longer be the financially responsible party, all the better.
    Keeping the above two paragraphs in mind, some times surgery is a necessity. Statistically, necessary surgery probably falls in the range of 5% of cases. In another 5% of cases surgery may be appropriate because it saves the patient healing time and time off work, even if it does not affect the eventual overall outcome. This means that in 90+% of back pain cases, surgery is not needed! All surgery has the potential for complications, from pain to numbness to paralysis to death. Think hard about your choices.
    In general, a patient needs surgery when surgery can save his life, repair an injury the patientâs body cannot, or shorten significantly the recovery from an injury or disease. When it comes to the lower back, there are five absolute indications for surgery, but several elective reasons. The absolute indications for surgery are the following:
    1. Cauda equina or conus medullaris syndrome. These situations happen when there is a very large central herniated disc that compresses severely the nerves in the lower spinal cord. Without surgery, the compression would lead to eventual loss of function of those nerves, paralysis of muscles, and/or loss of sensation.
    2. Intractable pain, i.e. unremitting, severe pain.
    3. Progressive neurological deficit, loss of sensation, proprioception, muscle control, etc.
    4. New incontinence or retention, bowel or bladder.
    5. Hemorrhage into the spinal cord.
    The relative indications generally center on the relief of discomfort (less than intractable) and the shortening of recovery time from various problems: herniated disk, compression fractures, etc.
    There are also several types of surgery: open, micro, and minimally invasive. Open takes less time, usually. The surgeon has a better view of the surgical field, but more structures are damaged and recovery is longer. Micro surgery takes longer; the field of view is smaller, but fewer structures are damaged and recovery is shorter. Minimally invasive surgery, in general, takes the longest; is the most difficult; has the narrowest field of view, but the shortest recovery time. There are trade-offs. Get the surgeon to explain them all to you. If he can't or won't, find another surgeon.
    If someone uses the words, laser surgery, he is trying to impress you. Nothing more. Lasers have their place in surgery -- usually cauterizing blood vessels. Very little surgery is done with a laser. A laser produces too much heat. Laser is a buzz word only. And the person using it is a salesman first -- surgeon second. He wants your money; he's not concerned with your best interests.
    Bill Yancey, MD
    whatyourdoctor dot blogspot dot com



    BusyQueen 
    Nice lens. Thanks for visiting my lenses! Really informative. Nicely detailed.
    Keep the back pain lenses coming! :)



    fastbackpainrel 
    This is fantastic information you have here.
    If someone is facing surgery, this is absolutely the best thing - to ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for it.
    I really like particularly that you get them to question the surgery - are there other ways that I can try before I have the surgery. I know that surgery is a trying thing to go through with many possible problems later in life, so it's great to be fully aware of the situation before embarking.
    Keep up the great work!



    TonyPayne
    I had a slipped disc in 1988 and still get back pain as a result, but fortunately these days it's something I have learned to deal with. Usually tasks like gardening or mowing the lawn will set my back off, but a dose of Ibuprofen before I start usually relaxes the muscles enough so that I don't end up in terrible pain.


    anonymous 
    I have had 3 back surgeries in the last 5 years, all L5/S1. Two laminectomys and the final one which was a full discectomy with fusion. All though I am immobile, I still have daily pain and use natural as well as prescription medicine to get through each day. Good lens.



    JillY88 
    Very informative lens. My husband had back surgery about 8 yrs ago, prolapsed disc. He couldn't even walk, it was so bad. He recovered well and doesn't have many problems, only if he over does it on the shovel. Having back pain can tear your life apart. Nice lens.



    nightbear lm 
    An amazing and detailed lens filled with very valid and important information. Well done JasmineAnn. I have struggled with back problems "forever" and I am doing all I can to avoid surgery. But this kind of information is essential. Blessed!


    anonymous
    I am one of those who are battling for back pain. It started when i was just at the age of 15 up to present. It really give me a hard time to sleep , as of now i'm planning to undergo surgery. Anyway thanks for this sort i found t really informative and i learn a lot from it.


    anonymous 
    I am battling for back pain since i was at the age of 17 till present. I do admire this sort it is really informative. i do really learn a lot of it. i will surely share it with my friends. Keep it up



    ArtByLinda
    Very informative lens, I had back surgery a few years ago. Actually I had a micro-diskectomy first, that didn't work and then had a fusion. Back pain can change your entire outlook on life and I am so thankful to have had the surgery work! I wish the best and plenty of pain free days to any of you that are suffering with this.
    Happy Holidays!
    Linda



    BusyQueen
    Thanks for this info, 5*****'s

    What Is Your Experience of Spinal Surgery?

    I know people who would not touch back surgery with a barge pole and I also know people who have had a very successful spinal surgery. My uncle had a very difficult and long recovery from back surgery yet a friend of mine had a wonderful and very successful recovery.

    Each of us is different and there are many mitigating factors. I would appreciate you leaving any comments as to your experiences of spine surgery-positive or negative or somewhere in between- or hints and tips to help others, you are welcome to post here.

    For example
    I have had back surgery and it was a success
    I have had back surgery and it was not a success
    I am considering back surgery
    I have not had back surgery
    I will never agree to back surgery
    For me it will be an option ONLY if all other treatments do not work

    Thank you For Your Visit

    Love to hear your comments and if you have any experience of spine surgery-positive or negative or somewhere in between- or hints and tips to help others, you are welcome to post here.
    I read every comment and appreciate you taking the time.
    Thank you. Gentle Hugs

    If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



    Lose The Back Pain System
    Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

    For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

    7 Day Back Pain Cure
    This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful.
    Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

    4 comments:

    Dreya B said...

    Thankfully I've not had back surgery or been advised to have it, though I do have a bad back from a fall. I've worked with a highly respected osteopath over the years, who has always advised me that if ever anyone I knew was recommended back surgery to seek alternatives, (both opinions and other treatments). He believes in the vast majority of cases other work can be done to make the back better, especially in the case of sciatica where it's mostly a case of misalignments of joints...

    Sylvestermouse said...

    This is truly an excellent article full of resources that anyone considering back surgery would benefit from reading first. It has been several decades since I had to make a decision about whether or not to have back surgery. I expect medical procedures are greatly improved now, but anyone faced with this decision does indeed need to be informed and ask the right questions.

    Raintree Annie said...

    Hi DreyaB It sounds like you got good advice form your osteopath. I would certainly see back surgery as a last resort(unless an emergency situation) Yes there are many less invasive methods to try first especially where it is misalignment of joints or muscle imbalances. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving your comment.

    Raintree Annie said...

    Hi Cynthia thankyou so much for your lovely comment. I do hope it is helpful to people. Asking questions and being fully informed before you take a big step like whether or not to have spine surgery is so important.