For many patients living with chronic back or neck pain, spine surgery is often a last resort, but in some cases, spine surgery is the best option for long-term relief and restoring quality of life.
At Spine Associates in Beaumont and Houston, TX, our experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Richard Francis, helps patients determine when surgical intervention is appropriate and when non-surgical treatments may be enough. Here’s what you need to know.
Conservative Treatment Comes First
In most cases, spine surgery is not the first recommendation. Common conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease are often treated with conservative methods such as:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Injections (such as epidural steroid injections)
- Activity modification and rest
These non-surgical treatments can relieve symptoms for many patients. However, if pain persists after several months or if your condition worsens, surgery may be necessary.
Signs You May Need Spine Surgery
So, how do you know when it’s time to consider surgery? Some of the most common signs include:
- Severe or worsening nerve compression: If a herniated disc or bone spur is compressing your spinal nerves and causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs, surgery may be needed to prevent long-term nerve damage.
- Spinal instability or deformity: Conditions like scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, or severe degenerative disc disease can lead to structural instability in the spine. Surgery can help correct alignment and stabilize the spine.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Sudden issues with bladder or bowel function may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency requiring immediate spine surgery.
- Failed non-surgical treatments: If you’ve tried physical therapy, medications, and injections with no relief, surgery might be the next logical step.
Common Spine Surgeries We Perform
At Spine Associates, we offer a range of advanced surgical options, including:
- Discectomy: Removal of a herniated disc pressing on nerves
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
- Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine
- Minimally invasive spine surgery: Smaller incisions and faster recovery
Dr. Francis will recommend the least invasive, most effective procedure based on your specific condition.
Talk to a Spine Specialist in Beaumont or Houston, TX
Deciding whether spine surgery is right for you is a big decision. At Spine Associates, we take the time to fully evaluate your condition and explain all your options. Whether you need a second opinion or a surgical plan, we’re here to help.
We proudly serve patients from Beaumont, Houston, Port Arthur, Orange, and surrounding areas across Southeast Texas. If you’re looking for a trusted spine surgeon near you, contact Spine Associates today to schedule a consultation.