Spine surgery is rarely an initial treatment for back pain, however, there are a few emergencies that may require surgical treatment. In the vast majority of patients, spine surgery is only considered after a long course of conservative therapy.

Spine Surgery Options

Discectomy

A discectomy is a procedure to remove a portion of the disc that rests between each vertebrae. A herniated disc is the most common reason for spine surgery. In this type of spine surgery, the herniated disc is removed and relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Foramenotomy

A foramenotomy is also a procedure used to relieve pressure on a nerve, but in this case, the nerve is being pinched by more than just herniated disc. A foramenotomy removes a portion of bone and other tissue that may be compressing the nerve as it exits the spinal column.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord itself. A laminectomy is most commonly used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Depending on the amount of bone removed, this procedure may be done with a spinal fusion to prevent instability.

Spine Fusion

A spine fusion is surgery that is done to eliminate motion between adjacent vertebrae. The spine fusion may be done because to treat a problem such as spondylolisthesis (unstable spine), or it may be done because of the extent of other surgery (such as a laminectomy).

Spinal Disc Replacement

Spinal disc replacement is a new surgery that is still quite uncommon. Spine disc replacement is done to treat specific types of back pain, while avoiding the problems associated with spine fusion surgery.





	Who is most likely to develop low back pain? Nearly everyone has low back pain sometime. Men and women are equally affected. It occurs most often between ages 30 and 50, due in part to the aging process but also as a result of sedentary life styles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise. The risk of experiencing low back pain from disc disease or spinal degeneration increases with age.

If you or someone you love is suffering from back pain, chronic back pain, or back injury -

and looking for relief, please contact us. We can help!

HOUSTON - DALLAS

Home l Types of Back Pain l Low Back Pain l Causes of Low Back Pain l Upper Back Pain l Upper Back Pain Causes l Chronic Back Pain

Obesity and back pain l Anatomy of The Spine l Back Pain Definitions l Back Pain Myths l Depression & Chronic Pain l Back Pain Relief

Back Pain Treatment l Back Surgery l Back Pain Medication l Types of Back Surgery l Low Back Pain Treatment l Before Your Surgery

After Spine Surgery l Orthopedic Surgeons l Spine Surgeons l Spine Fusion l Discectomy l Spinal Disc Replacement l Types of Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery Questions l Disclaimer l Privacy l Contact Us

Highland Pain Institute is a division of Highland Medical Centers

OTHER RESOURCES:

Highland GERD Institute l Highland Bariatric Institute l Highland Sleep Institute

Web Site Design by SDG Medical