If oral medication and physiotherapy prove ineffective in relieving your back pain, the doctor may suggest a sequence of spinal surgery procedures. You can access detailed information about these surgical procedures and potential risks in the article below!

Benefits of Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery may not immediately eradicate the pain you're enduring. However, in most cases, this surgery can make you feel better by: 

• Helping you move better.
• Making your body feel more agile.
• Allowing you to reduce pain relief medication doses or even cease consumption altogether.
• Facilitating your return to work.
• Enhancing productivity at work.

Who Needs Spinal Surgery?

Most cases of back pain can be managed with physiotherapy, regular home exercises, spinal injections, the use of braces, or oral treatments such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories. However, there are times when these treatments do not yield the desired results, necessitating surgical procedures.

Back pain that typically requires surgery to address it is usually caused by the following conditions: 

• Degenerative disc diseases. A condition where the intervertebral discs experience chronic damage.
• Spinal degenerative conditions. Abnormalities in the shape of the spine, if left untreated, can damage other internal organs, such as scoliosis.
• Herniated disc. Occurs when one or more discs protrude through the cushioning of your spine. Sometimes this condition compresses the nerves in the spine, causing pain and nerve function impairment.
• Spinal stenosis. Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can exert pressure on nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis. A condition where one or more spinal vertebrae slip out of place.
• Spinal fractures. This condition can be caused by accidents or osteoporosis.

In very rare cases, back pain may be caused by tumors, infections, or cauda equina syndrome (paralysis of the legs due to pressure on the spinal nerve roots). In such cases, spinal surgery is highly recommended as soon as possible.

Spinal Surgery Procedure

Various types of spinal surgery procedures may be performed based on your body's condition, including:

1. Discectomy

The objective of this surgical procedure is to eliminate protruding intervertebral discs that compress nerves, thereby enhancing your mobility. Discectomy is typically conducted alongside spinal laminectomy.

2. Spinal Decompression Surgery

This procedure, also known as spinal laminectomy, is performed when stenosis occurs.

Stenosis is a condition where the space in the spine narrows, exerting pressure on the nerves that run through the spine. If left untreated, stenosis can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. 

During the surgery, the doctor will remove osteophytes (bone spurs that appear in joints) or soft tissue that causes nerve compression.

3. Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is performed to stabilize or straighten a curved spine, such as in patients with scoliosis or kyphosis. 

In this procedure, the doctor will remove some of the spinal discs. Then they will fuse adjacent bones by inserting bone grafts or metal screws into the bones. 

The recovery period for this surgical procedure is quite long and may reduce the flexibility of your spine.

4. Vertebral Body Tethering (VTB)

In children with scoliosis whose condition does not improve even after wearing a brace, the doctor may recommend the VTB method. 

In this procedure, the doctor will install metal anchors and a flexible cord called a tether to pull the spine bones straight during the growth period. 

Metal anchors and tethers are permanent. Those will only be removed if a health problem arises.

5. Disc Replacement Surgery

This surgery can be an alternative to spinal fusion surgery and is usually performed if there is severe damage to the spinal discs. 

The damaged disc is removed and replaced with a synthetic disc, typically made of titanium or stainless steel. 

This improves the height of the spine and the movement between spinal segments.

Before Spinal Surgery

Once the doctor decides that spinal surgery is the best treatment for your condition, there are several medical checks that must be completed beforehand. 

These medical checks are essential to ensure that you are in a stable condition so that the surgical procedure can be safely performed. 

Some conditions that are usually examined include blood pressure, blood clotting levels, and kidney function.

After the health check process is completed, you need to provide a history of past treatments and medications currently being consumed. 

If you are taking blood thinners, make sure to convey this information at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery date. 

For those who smoke or vape, you may be asked to stop for a while. Nicotine contained in them can slow down the healing process. Additionally, you will be asked to fast from midnight before the surgery is performed.

Don't forget to discuss the medications you will receive during and after the surgery. This includes the type of anesthesia and pain relievers. Also, discuss possible side effects and their impact on your work.

Before the surgery begins, you will receive full anesthesia. This means that during the procedure, you will be unconscious. 

You may also be asked to prepare someone who can accompany you home and carry heavy objects after the surgery.

Post-Spinal Surgery Care

After the surgery is completed, you may wake up wearing stockings around the lower part of your legs. 

Do not remove the stockings even if they feel uncomfortable. They function to reduce the risk of blood clots.

To prevent blood clots, you are also advised to exercise by walking. Ask for assistance from the attending nurse. 

If you feel pain or swelling in your calf during walking exercises, contact your doctor immediately.

The total recovery process after spinal surgery varies depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms you had before the surgery.

There are several things to consider after undergoing spinal surgery, including:

• After being allowed to leave the hospital, the doctor will likely prescribe pain relievers. 
• You may only drive after 2 weeks post-surgery and after you stop taking pain relievers.
• You may need to take time off work for 5-7 days after surgery. Leave may be longer depending on the advice of the surgeon who treated you.
• For those who undergo fusion surgery, avoid non-steroidal medications such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Motrin, and Advil until the time limit set by your surgeon. Generally, non-steroidal medications can be resumed 12 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid bending, twisting your waist, and lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects for up to 6 weeks after surgery or as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid sitting for too long. Stand every 30-40 minutes or as advised by your doctor to take a short walk.
• Routinely exercise by walking. Increase the distance periodically.
• If the doctor asks you to use a neck brace, use it according to the instructions provided. Do not remove it too early. Only remove it for bathing or eating.

Side Effects of Spinal Surgery

There are several side effects that you may experience after undergoing spinal surgery, including:

• Reactions to anesthesia or other medications.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Blood clotting, such as in the legs or lungs.
• Heart attack.
• Stroke.
• Herniated disk or pinched nerves.
• Nerve damage. This can cause weakness, paralysis, pain, sexual dysfunction, and loss of bowel control.

However, you don't need to worry excessively. The risk of these side effects can be minimized with proper examination, surgery, and post-operative care. 

Make sure to ask your doctor about the potential risks and how to manage them before undergoing surgery.

If you're seeking relief from back pain through surgical intervention, look no further than Bali International Hospital. 

Nestled within the premier Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Health enclave of Indonesia, known as The Sanur, our hospital offers more than just medical care—it presents a serene oasis amid the vibrant heart of Bali Island.

Our Orthopedics Center stands as a beacon of excellence within Bali International Hospital. Here, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled care for bone, joint, and tissue health. 

Led by seasoned orthopedic surgical teams, every treatment is meticulously executed with the aid of state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities. This ensures a comprehensive, swift, and seamless recovery journey.

Immerse yourself in our tranquil surroundings, where complete facilities and world-class hospitality await to expedite your healing process.

Don't wait any longer, schedule a consultation with the Orthopedics Center at Bali International Hospital today, and take the first step toward a pain-free tomorrow!