1. What are the causes of disorders to the Spine?

The spine is a complex structure consisting of bone, ligament, disc, and muscle joints that protect the spinal cord. Any of those can cause problems which include infections, inflammations, injuries, tumours, congenital problems, age-related osteoporosis, degeneration.

2. What are the solutions available to manage spinal disorders?

Treatments differ by disease. The majority of spinal disorders can be managed without surgery. The other treatments include physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Occasionally, alternative treatment like massage and acupuncture may work.

3. Under what conditions will a spinal surgery be deemed the optimal solution?

When all conservative treatments fail and the patient suffers from persistent pain, surgery may be essential. Some conditions, like trauma and tumours, will require surgery for treatment. Degenerative disc and back pain problems can be managed most of the time without surgery, but may be essential if it causes neurological problems. Some congenital abnormalities will need surgical correction.

4. What are the risks involved in undergoing a spine surgery?

Any operation will have some degree of risk, including reaction to anaesthesia or other drugs, bleeding, infection, blood clots, for instance, in your legs or lungs, heart attack, and stroke. These risks are extremely rare. Specific to the spine, some of the complications that can occur are –

a) Damage to the spinal cord or nerves, which is less than 0.5 %

b) Instability of the spine, post-surgery

c) Worsening of back pain – extremely rare

d) Loss of bowel and bladder function – extremely rare

5. How long will it take to recover after a spine surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery, your stay in the hospital would last from 1 – 5 days, normally. For minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures, the stay is less than 2 days. For open surgery, it usually will be about 3 – 5 days. In almost all surgeries, you would be up and about in 24 – 48 hours. You will be able to perform normal daily activities in 5 – 7 days, and in most cases, you will be able to return to work in 3 – 4 days.

6. Can normal life be resumed after a spine surgery? Are there any dos and don’ts?

Yes, the patient can lead a normal life after spine surgery. Recovery from surgery is an ongoing process, and it depends on the type of surgery. You will be recommended physiotherapy to start from 2 – 4 weeks to resume normal activities. If you did not have any serious disability before the surgery, you will be able to return to a completely normal life and work in a few weeks. With minimally invasive spine surgery, you will be able to return to work in 2 – 3 weeks. The myth that you cannot perform the same level of activities after surgery is totally wrong.

Dr_Balamurali

 

Interview with Dr. G. Balamurali, MBBS, MRCS(Ed), MD(UK), FRCS (Neurosurgery)
Lead Consultant Spine & Neurosurgeon
Kauvery Hospital

Kauvery Hospital