Busting Myths Related to Spine Surgery

Dr.Nagesh Chandra, 4 mins read

Busting Myths Related to Spine Surgery:
Over the past two decades, I’ve been practising neurosurgery and spine surgery. During this tenure, I have encountered many misconceptions about spine surgery that my patients share with me.

These myths often prevent patients from undergoing spine surgery. Even many patients who cannot sit, walk, or sleep properly accept the pain instead of choosing the surgery.

They think spine surgery is not successful and may even worsen their existing condition. You may have also heard such statements; tales of long recovery, poor outcomes and risk of complications. But like the earlier one, they are also not true or completely true.

In this guide, I’ll disclose some common misconceptions about spine surgery and burst the bubble around them. So, you can choose what’s good for you and your health.

Myth: Surgery is the only option for spine problems.
Fact: Surgery is not always the first or only option for treating spine problems. Many spine issues can be effectively managed through non-surgical treatments. These include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and injections. In fact, surgery is the last resort of treatment for spinal issues. Only 2-3% of patients with back or neck pain need surgery and less than 5% of lumbar disc or slipped disc cases require surgical intervention.

Myth: All spine surgeries are major surgeries.
Fact: While some spine surgeries are indeed major procedures, not all of them fall into this category. There are minimally invasive spine surgeries that involve smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery times. Problems like lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal infections, spinal instability, scoliosis, herniated discs, or spinal tumours may be treated with minimally invasive procedures.

Myth: Spine surgery is not successful.
Fact: Though every surgery has some associated risks, the success rate for most spine surgeries is excellent with 85% to 90% of patients getting relief from the symptoms. Even properly planned slipped disc surgeries have a 95% success rate in selected patients. The success rate of spine surgery varies depending on the specific condition being treated and the expertise of the surgeon.

Myth: Screws and implants are often inaccurately placed.
Fact: Advances in technology and surgical techniques have greatly improved the accuracy of placing screws and implants during spine surgery. Surgeons now have access to tools like navigation systems to ensure precise placement. At Aakash Healthcare, we have an in-house 3D printing lab to create patient-specific implants, guides, and jigs that can be accurately placed in the patient.

Myth: The chances of nerve damage are very high during spine surgery.
Fact: Advancements in preoperative imaging and intraoperative monitoring have reduced the risk of surrounding nerves. The doctors can operate with more accuracy, ensuring the safety of surrounding nerves.

Myth: Spine surgery has poor outcomes.
Fact: Till now, you have already learned that spine surgery has become more accurate, precise, and safe. The advancement in intraoperative 3D imaging, intraoperative neuromonitoring, intraoperative navigation, minimally invasive techniques and endoscopic spine surgery has improved the outcomes of spine surgery. Talk to a surgeon about the success rate and outcome of the procedure.

Myth: High chances of paralysis after spine surgery.
Fact: Paralysis after spine surgery is a rare complication. Surgeons take utmost precautions to protect the spinal cord and nerves during surgery, reducing the risk of serious complications like paralysis. It’s good to ask your doctor whether there are any complications or risks associated with the surgery.

Myth: Patients need prolonged rest after surgery.
Fact: Though rest is required after surgery, prolonged bed rest is usually not recommended. Doctors usually prescribe physical therapy for a gradual return to normal activities and to regain strength and mobility.

Myth: The lifestyle will be restricted after spine surgery.
Fact: This is completely false. Following rehabilitation and postoperative guidelines is very important post-spine surgery. A proper physical activity and exercise regimen can improve strength and flexibility. With this, patients can resume their normal activities and lifestyle after spine surgery.