Back surgery is performed in many conditions. There are some indications and contraindications of back surgery. You must get to know before undergoing spinal surgery that what will be the outcome. For this, you need to understand the types of back surgeries.

Types of back surgeries

Here the types of back surgeries are described.

• Diskectomy. In this procedure herniated portion of a disc is removed to get rid of the pain, inflammation, and irritation caused by a nerve. In this operation, a partial or full part of the back portion of vertebrae is removed to get access to the ruptured disk.

• Laminectomy. In this procedure, bone overlying the spinal canal is removed. It enhances the space of the spinal canal and pain caused by spinal stenosis is relieved.

• Fusion. In this procedure, two or more vertebral bones are permanently connected in your vertebral column. It adds up stability to the spinal fracture and pain is got rid off. It also decreases the relative painful movement between the vertebrae that occurs due to an injured or degenerated disc.

• Artificial disc. It is an alternative treatment to spinal fusion for the reduction of painful movements between the vertebrae.

• Interlaminar implant. It is a minimally invasive procedure. A U shaped device is implanted between two adjacent vertebrae in the lower back. Thus surface between them remains open, and pressure from the spinal nerves is relieved.

• Foraminotomy. It is done for pain relief which is associated with a pinched or compressed nerve in the vertebral column. The bone at the side of the vertebrae is cut by the surgeon for the widening of the space where spinal nerves exit. Thus pressure from nerves is reduced, and symptoms disappear.

Benefits of spinal surgery

Often the following benefits are achieved

• You become able to move around better.

• You are now more physically fit

• You feel an elevation in your mood.

• You do not need to take painkillers

• You are able to join your work routine again

• You perform more efficiency in your work.

Are there some risks?

Like any surgery, spinal surgery also has its own risks and complications that include

• Reaction to any drug or anesthesia

• Bleeding or hemorrhage

• Infection, sepsis, bacteremia

• Blood clots which become embolic and enter your legs or lungs

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Herniated disc

• Damage to the nerve which causes weakness or numbness, sexual dysfunction, paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control.

Factors you must know before the surgery

Before undergoing spinal surgery, you must know the following things

• Ask your doctor, Is surgery the definite treatment for my back? This is required so because the majority of the patients do not need surgery for their pain. So surgery must not be the first line of treatment. Nonsurgical interventions include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and exercise. If your physician suggests you surgery, always consult another doctor for the second opinion.

• You must get to know, how experienced and qualified is your surgeon. If you have decided on the surgical intervention for your back, the outcome of the surgery is influenced by the experience of the surgeon and the quality of the hospital. Must know that your surgeon is a board certified person and have completed his or her fellowship training.

• Would your lifestyle affect the success ratio of your back surgery? It is proven from research that obese and overweight persons have the poor outcome of the surgery.

How can you get a successful back surgery?

Successful back surgery begins with your understanding of own expectations and goals. It is important to communicate with your surgeon and discuss with him or her what is your idea of "success." Tell them what do you expect about the post-surgical outcome. Be sure that your surgeon knows that what are your post-surgery goals. Tell them everything about your pain. Your surgeon will then make you clear that what is the possibility to meet these goals after surgery. Your surgeons will address your questions depending upon your specific goals and conditions.

Pros and cons of back surgery

Each type of back surgery has its pros and cons which are explained following

• Spinal fusion. It is the most common type of surgical intervention for degenerative changes which cause back pain. Its complication is rare but may occur that the bones do not fuse completely. If you are a smoker, you are more likely to get this complication. If it takes place, you require another operation for its fixation.

• Laminectomy. This type of intervention is mostly carried out for spinal stenosis in the lumbar region. The complication of this procedure is that your vertebral column may become less stable. If it takes place, you may require another surgery for the fixation.

• Diskectomy. In this procedure, a big cut is made in your back or sometimes, a small one may be helpful. The microscope is needed for microdiscectomy. The complication is rare but may occur that more than needed part of the disc is removed, and your spine loses the stability. If this occurs, another surgery is needed for the fixation.

• Disc replacement. It is a very useful intervention, but there are chances that new disc could fall out of its place or slip. Repair is needed in this situation.

• Interlaminar implant. These spinal implants provide more stability and allow you to move your back just like normal but you are not able to bend backward in that area, and that is its unwanted effect.

• Foraminotomy. This procedure also makes your spinal column less stable just like laminectomy. That is why the surgeon may make a spinal fusion at the time of surgery which enhances the time of your recovery.