There are several alternative therapy "solutions" abound for anyone who has suffered from back pain, especially those whose pain is classified chronic (pain that has persisted for three months or longer). Some even claim to "cure" or provide long-term relief. There is no shortage of methods to approach back pain management, from Internet-sold gadgets to activities or exercises suggested by well-meaning friends and loved ones, and yes, even treatments prescribed by spine care specialists.

When is spine surgery the best course of action?

Although it may appear like having spine surgery is the only way to solve your back condition, there are other options, and surgery should only be used as a last choice because it might cause difficulties. Even if it appears to be a viable notion, there is no guarantee that the surgery will address your problem. There's also the risk of surgery, which makes deciding when spine surgery is the next best step more challenging.

Spine surgery, like most things, has advantages and disadvantages. Some people have experienced incomparable alleviation as a result of their operation, while others have not received the comfort they expected. Keep in mind that spine procedures are not for everyone, and several factors must be examined before you are given the go-ahead for the procedure.

So, when is it appropriate for your orthopedist to suggest spine surgery? It is highly recommended that your spine specialists use traditional therapy approaches like as exercises, activities, and medications in the early phases of your treatment. However, if the problem worsens or does not seem to be improving, surgery may be recommended. Another point to consider is that minimally invasive surgeries are less hazardous, thus choosing them does not necessarily put the patient in danger.

• Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (also known as "DDD") is an age-related condition that causes your intervertebral discs to weaken and degrade. These are the cartilage cushions that connect your vertebrae and help to keep them together while also absorbing ordinary shocks. "Arthritis of the spine" is a popular term for the condition.

• Degenerative Disc Disease and Spinal Fusion

DDD is a degenerative disorder that, as the name implies, often progresses to more significant harm over time. There are a variety of treatments available to provide relief and delay deterioration, but spinal fusion is now the gold standard for DDD sufferers.

This surgical treatment permanently unites two or more vertebrae together.

• Herniated Disc in the Lumbar Spine

Your spinal discs are located between each pair of vertebrae. The robust outer wall of each disc might be weakened as you age or as a result of damage. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like fluid inside the disc ruptures a weak spot in the disc wall.

Be aware that a herniated disc differs from a bulging disc, which is another common problem. A bulging disc suggests a weak spot in your disc wall, whereas a herniated disc indicates a rupture (usually a tear).

In the end, the decision to undergo spine surgery is solely yours. Consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully, and evaluate whether your existing quality of life is suffering as a result of the failure of the alternatives.

Please don't hesitate to contact Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers if you have any questions regarding any of the operations we've discussed here, or if you need help deciding whether spine surgery is suitable for you.

**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.