There are many myths surrounding spine surgery, which can leave patients with doubts about the procedure, but the reality is that this type of surgery now offers major benefits, helping patients regain a good quality of life, notes Dr. Ulises García González, neurosurgery specialist at ABC Medical Center.
It’s common to assume that every back problem eventually leads to surgery; in reality, in both neurosurgical and orthopedic practice, careful patient evaluation, proper case selection, and imaging studies enable accurate identification of the condition and determination of the right treatment.
Dr. García notes that, on average, only about 20 to 30% of patients end up being candidates for some type of surgical treatment, while the rest respond well to conservative treatment, which includes medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
A common issue is the lack of timely care, if patients sought treatment sooner more often, it could further reduce the number of surgical cases, shorten hospital stays, and lead to faster recovery.
Today, spine surgery is an extremely safe procedure, thanks to technologies such as navigation systems that allow screws and instruments to be placed with millimeter-level precision. Other tools, such as intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and advanced imaging systems, have made complications during these procedures virtually nonexistent.
Thanks to this technology and the surgeon’s expertise, patients with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine issues can often walk and move again shortly after surgery.
Another benefit of spine surgery is that it can be performed on both young and older patients, notes Dr. García. There are two main groups of patients affected by spinal conditions.
The first group is generally made up of younger patients who develop spinal issues due to improper practice of a high-impact sport.
The second group is mostly made up of older adults, who may experience neck, upper back, or lower back pain, or numbness in the arms or legs, caused by a spinal condition.
“Among musculoskeletal disorders, lower back pain is the most common, affecting an estimated 568 million people worldwide.”
For both groups, surgery is an excellent solution that allows patients to remain physically active and maintain an excellent quality of life.
After surgery, recovery is divided into three phases. The first, known as the initial recovery phase, covers the first few weeks after surgery, during which patients will need pain medication, anti-inflammatories, or nerve pain medication, depending on the case; physical therapy and rehabilitation also begin during this phase.
The second phase, which generally takes place between weeks two and six after surgery, involves returning to physical activity and daily routines.
By the third phase, the patient will no longer need medication and can begin enjoying a new version of themselves, free from back problems and with a much better quality of life.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
