If you’re dealing with a spine problem, and it’s been lingering for some time, you’re probably wondering when is the time to talk to your spine specialist about scheduling a surgical procedure. It’s not always easy to know when it’s time for surgery, especially because spine pain is so unique to the individual. That said, there are some ways to recognize that an operation may be in your best interest. We explain when you should consider spine surgery to address a herniated disc in today’s blog.
Do I Need Herniated Disc Surgery?
How do you know when it’s time to go under the knife to fix your herniated disc? As we mentioned above, there is no one-size-fits-all chart for knowing exactly when surgery is needed. However, the most common indication that surgery may be the best option for your herniated disc is if you have tried different conservative techniques for at least six weeks and have been unable to find relief.
When we say six weeks of conservative care, we mean six weeks of intensive, focused and adapted efforts to really get your back pain under control. If you just go through the motions of at-home physical therapy techniques or you haven’t pursued any of the exercises your spine specialist has recommended, then you shouldn’t just jump to surgery once six weeks have passed. The majority of herniated discs can be managed with conservative care if you really commit to the plan, so don’t just waste six weeks and then assume surgery will take care of the problem.
Risks & Recovery
While surgery does have a fantastic success rate, it’s not without risks and does carry a sizable recovery timeline. Moreover, many of the conservative techniques that are recommended for non-operative care will be pursued during your post-op rehabilitation, so don’t assume that you’ll be able to bypass those options simply by opting for surgery. You’re going to have to put in the work during physical therapy and strength training exercises, so you might as well do so without also having to manage post-op pain and an incision site.
Now, it’s worth noting that six weeks of conservative care isn’t always a required benchmark to pursue surgery. We’ve encountered patients with severe herniations or other pressing issues that required more abrupt treatment, but in general, your spine surgeon is going to want to ensure that you’ve pursued a few different conservative options to no avail. If you are wondering which treatment method is best for you or whether surgery should be considered, reach out to a spine specialist.
They’ll be able to provide you with a diagnosis or a secondary assessment depending upon where you are in the process and provide an updated care recommendation. If you live in the greater Twin Cities area, we hope you’ll consider Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute for that care. We’ll do everything in our power to find a conservative option that alleviates your pain and treats the underlying problem, but if surgery needs to be pursued, we’ll be more than happy to provide you with the highest level of care and see you through your operation and recovery.
For more information about herniated disc treatment or surgery, or to talk to a specialist about your back pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today by calling (651) 430-3800.
