Myths vs. Facts: Understanding Spine Surgery

Spine surgery isn’t for everyone, but if you happen to be a candidate for spine surgery, having it could change your life.

If you’re suffering from lower back pain, neck pain, or nerve pain stemming from your neck or back that is radiating into your extremities (radiculopathy).

But spine surgery enjoys quite a complicated and colorful reputation, and is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can create unnecessary fear as well as false expectations. This is why it’s important to understand the reality of spine surgery, especially if you’re considering having it as a cure for your back or neck pain.

Whether you’re considering ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery or decompression and spinal fusion, being well-informed can make a substantial difference in your recovery and overall experience.

Let’s bust 5 of the most common myths about spine surgery now, presenting you with the truth instead, to help you make informed decisions about your spine health.

5 Myths About Spine Surgery & The Truth About Them

Myth 1: You Will Lose Your Complete Range of Motion After Spine Surgery

Spine surgery will leave you with a severely restricted range of motion, moving around stiffly and awkwardly like Frankenstein. Right?

Fact: Actually, this is not true.

People often think that because fusion spine surgery restricts range of motion in the spine, this is true, but actually, when only 2-3 levels of vertebrae are permanently joined together, the rest of your back can move freely, and often times patients don’t feel the difference.

Because of this, most patients who have fusion surgery experience a return to normal movement relatively quickly, without any significant loss of mobility or flexibility. Further, patients who undergo other types of lumbar spine surgery and cervical spine surgery (such as endoscopic spine surgery) experience no loss of range of motion at all.

Myth 2: Once You Have One Spine Surgery, You Will Need More

Many people experiencing neck and back pain worry that undergoing one spine surgery sets them on the slippery slope to multiple surgeries down the road.

Fact: This is not usually the case if the first surgery is chosen strategically and performed adeptly.

Every doctor has a different approach to surgery. For some, “failure” means a patient won’t need to come back for a second surgery. For others, “failure” means a patient won’t have to come back for a second surgery in a few years.

What’s more, there are a variety of factors that go into whether or not a second surgery will be required, including the level of stability the first surgery is able to provide.

While it’s true that some patients may require additional surgeries, this is certainly not the case for a large number of patients. Many patients recover fully after a single procedure, especially if they follow medical advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 3: Spine Surgery Is Completely Painless

Some doctors or advertisements may suggest that spine surgery is a panacea; a cure-all; a miracle; a painless procedure that will fix all your problems.

Fact: Spine surgery ─ especially types involving bone and muscle ─ can be painful, but likely not as painful as avoiding surgery in the long-run.

Minimally-invasive spine surgery and ultra minimally-invasive spine surgery such as endoscopic spine surgery tend to reduce the level of pain compared to traditional open surgeries, but pain and discomfort are still a reality for most patients.

Understanding this can help you set realistic expectations and prepare you adequately for the post-surgery recovery process.

Myth 3: You Will Be Bedridden After Spine Surgery

People often have an image of being laid up for weeks or months after having spine surgery. This often deters them from pursuing treatment. But will you be bedridden after you have spine surgery?

Fact: Thanks to significant advancements in spine surgery techniques, most patients are able to walk shortly after surgery. Prolonged bed rest is no longer a normal part of most patients’ recovery journey.

In many cases, early mobility is actually encouraged to promote healing and prevent complications.

Myth 4: All Doctors Perform Spine Surgery the Same Way

Many folks believe that it doesn’t matter which spine surgeon you choose, so long as you opt for the right type of spine surgery for your condition.

Fact: This is untrue. In fact, the approach and technique of spine surgery used to treat your condition is likely to vary greatly depending on the surgeon’s training, experience, and preferred methods.

Some surgeons may specialize in the latest ultra-minimally invasive techniques, while others might have more experience with traditional open surgery.

It’s essential to vet surgeons carefully and choose someone skilled in the specific type of surgery you need and who has a track record of successful outcomes.

Myth 5: All Spine Surgery is the Same

All spine surgery is the same, with little variation in technique or outcome. Right?

Fact: This is patently false.

The term “spine surgery” actually encompasses a number of different surgical procedures, each of which is designed to address specific issues, and each of which is associated with varying recovery times and processes.

Understanding the differences between these procedures is key to setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions.

Myths and Facts About Common Types of Spine Surgery

Decompression Surgery

• Myth: Decompression surgery always requires a long recovery period.
• Fact: Many patients are able to return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks after decompression surgery, a type of spine surgery used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Fusion Surgery

• Myth: Fusion surgery will leave you immobile and severely restrict your movement.
• Fact: Fusion surgery only restricts movement at the fused vertebrae, not the entire spine.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

• Myth: Endoscopic spine surgery is too new to be trusted.
• Fact: Endoscopic spine surgery is a proven, ultra-minimally invasive technique that reduces scarring and shortens recovery times. It’s a reliable option for many spinal conditions, especially when performed by a highly experienced physician.

Open Surgery

• Myth: Open spine surgery is always more effective than minimally invasive procedures.
• Fact: Even though open surgery is sometimes necessary for certain complex conditions, minimally invasive techniques can be equally effective with less side effects and potential complications for many patients.

Blog Summary:

Myths, misconceptions and half-truths about spine surgery are widespread, leading to unnecessary anxiety. This blog aims to dispel five myths and provide a clearer picture of different types of spine surgeries so you can make an informed decision when it comes to matters of your health.

Is Spine Surgery Right for You?

Are you wondering if spine surgery is right for you, and if so, which type you’re best-suited for?

Still curious about potential recovery times, reasonable post-surgical expectations, and other key information when making a decision about surgery?

Either way, at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, we’ve got answers. Let us help you untangle fact from fiction!

We encourage you to start your journey towards optimal spine health here. Or, reach out to schedule your free consultation.