A Look at Back Pain

Q: Is surgery right for me?

A: The problems that can be successfully treated with surgery generally involve pinched nerves with arm or leg pain, numbness and/or weakness. There has to be a clear correlation between symptoms, the physical exam and imaging studies to have a high chance of success with surgery.

Q: Are there doctors who specialize in spine surgery?

A: Doctors who specialize in spine surgery are either orthopaedic surgeons or neurosurgeons that have taken additional surgical training in spine disease and surgical technique. In their training programs, they learn the latest techniques in spine surgery. Many participate in national organizations that allow them to obtain up-to-the-minute training on the newest scientific advances in spine surgery.

Q: How long will it take to recover from surgery?

A: Patients who have simple discectomies often are better rapidly with recovery in a matter of weeks.

After spine fusion surgery, it takes 3 to 12 months to return to most normal daily activities, and the success rate in terms of pain relief is probably between 70% and 90%, depending on the condition the spine surgery is treating. Disc replacement — or artificial disc surgery — is available now as a treatment option for patients with certain types of conditions that cause ongoing low back pain. However, this is a limited group of patients.

Quick Tips for a Healthy Back

•	Always stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity.
•	Don’t slouch when standing or sitting.
•	When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet.
•	Make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you.
•	Sit in a chair with good lumbar support and proper position and height for the task.
•	Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension.
•	If you must sit for a long period of time, resting your feet on a low stool can be helpful.
•	Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
•	Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine.
•	Always sleep on a firm surface.
•	Don’t try to lift objects too heavy for you. Lift with your knees, pull in your stomach muscles, and keep your head down and in line with your straight back. Keep the object close to your body. Do not twist when lifting.
•	Maintain proper nutrition and diet to reduce and prevent excessive weight, especially weight around the waistline that taxes lower back muscles.
•	If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.
•	Do some type of cardiovascular exercise at least 2-3 times each week, as well as abdominal strengthening.

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