Persistent back pain has an innovative solution with spine spacer surgery. You may have come across this procedure when researching or because a specialist recommended it. You should consider this procedure because it aims to restore comfort and increase mobility. Spine spacer surgery creates the space needed between vertebrae to relieve pain and facilitate a potentially faster recovery than conventional methods. This procedure could improve your daily function and overall quality of life. However, as with any surgical procedure, you must understand the potential risks associated with the procedure alongside its benefits.
Talking to a spine specialist lets you determine whether spine spacer surgery is the right fit for you. When you make an informed choice, you take a confident step toward lasting relief and a more active, pain-free life. Below, we look at some potential benefits and risks associated with spine spacer surgery. It will help you decide whether to consider it.
What is Spine Spacer Surgery?
Spine spacer surgery is a minimally invasive solution that treats chronic back pain by directly targeting nerve compression inside the spinal canal. This procedure uses an interspinous spacer, a small device used for those with spinal stenosis or nerve impingement, to increase the distance between vertebrae. This spacer enlarges the spinal canal and relieves the pressure on both the spinal cord and nerve roots, decreasing pain, numbness, and mobility limitations.
The spacer is inserted between two vertebrae during surgery through a small incision by a specialist. This precise placement of the device holds the vertebrae apart, decreasing the pressure that causes pain by compressing painful nerves. Unlike spinal fusion, spine spacer surgery does not permanently restrict movement by joining bones. Instead, it preserves flexibility in the spine, supporting more natural movement, and typically allows for a faster return to daily activities.
This surgery is appropriate only if the location and severity of compression are key factors and if your health will allow it.
Benefits Patients Enjoy From Spine Spacer Surgery
If you suffer from chronic back pain or conditions like spinal stenosis, spine spacer surgery offers many benefits that can help improve your quality of life. One of the most important benefits is that the surgery relieves pressure on the spinal nerves. This procedure effectively treats nerve compression, thus reducing pain and discomfort. As a result, you can resume your daily routine with much ease. As you heal and your back strengthens, you will resume your pre-surgery routine.
Your surgeon puts interspinous spacers between the vertebrae during the surgery. These spacers help fill your dead space inside the spinal canal, relieving the pressure on the spinal cord and nervous root. This compression can be caused by degenerative disc disease or bone spurs. The surgery reduces pressure, which helps to reduce friction between vertebrae, a frequent source of pain for many. Many patients report that the procedure provided immediate relief, a significant change for those suffering from long-term discomfort and limited mobility.
Spine spacer surgery also has the advantage of a quick recovery time. The surgery is minimally invasive, so the incisions are smaller, causing less damage to the surrounding tissues. This method speeds the healing process and helps you get back to your normal activities in just weeks, as opposed to months, which is necessary after more invasive surgeries. It does not just make spending less time away from work or daily responsibilities easier. It can also mean quicker recovery and quicker return to your physical activities.
Spine spacer surgery also preserves spinal flexibility and promotes swift recovery. This is necessary for an active lifestyle. This surgery does not immobilize sections of the spine as spinal fusion does. Such flexibility is crucial when bending, twisting, and lifting. Additionally, it significantly decreases the risk of future injuries since a flexible spine can better absorb shock and react to quick movements.
Further, spine spacer surgery is directed at the causes of back pain rather than simply hiding symptoms. The most common traditional ways to deal with pain, including medication or physical therapy, only aim to help with the pain, not the source of it. On the other hand, this procedure is directed at specific spinal conditions that cause pain. Spine spacer surgery focuses on removing the source of your discomfort and providing long-lasting relief and better spinal health. It is a proactive approach that improves your quality of life and lowers the chance of chronic pain returning.
Spine spacer surgery not only helps you physically but also psychologically and emotionally. People who live with chronic pain can become depressed and anxious and feel less self-worth. This surgery alleviates pain and restores functionality, which is a big deal for your mental health. Once surgeons have relieved their patients' symptoms, they find that their overall mood improves, and they have a more fulfilling life.
Spine spacer surgery also allows you to participate in social and recreational activities. When you can no longer be restricted by pain, you may find yourself with renewed enthusiasm for hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones, all of which can improve your quality of life.
Potential Risks of Spine Spacer Surgery
Although the procedure has many benefits, you must also consider the potential setbacks this procedure may bring to your health and recovery. Spacer displacement or failure is one primary concern. This complication happens when the spacer fails to remain where it was intended in the spine. The displacement can result in a resurgence of the symptoms the procedure was intended to relieve. This can sometimes require extra surgery to realign or replace the spacer, making recovery more complicated.
The other significant risk is surgical complications. Despite advances in medical technology, an unexpected issue can still happen during the procedure. While the goal is to help you live better by eliminating pain and restoring functionality, complications can occur. These include excessive bleeding or a reaction to anesthesia. All these can prolong your recovery, adding to your stress and requiring further medical intervention.
Naturally, infection is a concern in any surgical undertaking. The risk of introducing bacteria into your body still exists during the procedure, and postoperative infections can occur. Infections of this type can delay your recovery and even become so severe that they will require extra treatment, which may involve antibiotics or even extra surgeries. To minimize this risk, it is also important that your surgical team follows strict aseptic techniques.
You cannot ignore postoperative spinal nerve damage. It is also an important consideration. Pain, weakness, and numbness are all forms of this damage, which can seriously impact mobility and daily activities.
However, the surgery is largely successful despite the risks associated with it for many patients. Positive outcomes are greatly improved with surgical techniques, state-of-the-art technology, and postoperative care improvements.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
An experienced spine surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure. During your initial consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, specifically previous treatments and the course of your condition. This conversation will revolve around your symptoms, pain levels, and how that affects your daily activities.
As part of this, the surgeon will also conduct a thorough physical examination and may suggest advanced imaging studies, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These diagnostic tests are critical to show you the structure of your spine and whether something is wrong or injured. The surgeon can evaluate your candidacy more comprehensively based on your medical history, physical assessment, and imaging results.
The surgeon’s comprehensive evaluation is the basis for deciding your suitability for surgery. The assessment includes a complete review of your medical history, current symptoms, and results from diagnostic imaging. By looking at these factors, the surgeon can determine whether the procedure is what you need and want regarding your health.
Who can benefit from this treatment?
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Patients With Severe Pain From Degenerative Disc Disease
If you suffer from severe pain, spine spacer surgery may provide great relief from the pain of degenerative disc disease. This condition occurs when the discs between your vertebrae deteriorate from aging, injury, or wear and tear. When the discs lose height, they can compress the nerves around them, causing chronic pain, numbness, or weakness.
Addressing these underlying causes of spine problems can help reduce symptoms and, ultimately, quality of life through spine spacer surgery.
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People With Damaged Facet Joints Or Disc-Related Instability
If you suffer from disc-related instability, spine spacer surgery could be ideal. Injury and degenerative changes often cause instability with excess movement between the vertebrae. This condition can result in pain and an increased risk of further injury. The surgery inserts spacers to stabilize the affected vertebrae, supporting them to reduce pain and maintain long-term spinal health.
You may also qualify for spine spacer surgery if your facet joints have been damaged. Stabilizing your spine is done by these small joints between adjacent vertebrae. They can become damaged or arthritic. When they do, you can experience significant pain and limited range of motion. The surgery can realign the problem area and reduce the inflammation to allow you to move freely and comfortably again.
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Individuals With Spinal Stenosis Causing Nerve Pressure
If you experience spinal stenosis, this surgery may be beneficial for you. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, tingling, and difficulty with mobility. The goal of the procedure is to free up room inside the spinal canal by reducing the pressure exerted on it, thereby decreasing pain. It can give you more freedom from pain and allow you to do more of what you usually do daily.
Recovering After Your Spine Spacer Surgery
When you have spine spacer surgery, your surgeon will advise you on a recovery routine. If you follow this plan carefully, your healing process will be supported, and you will simultaneously regain your strength.
Your surgeon will advise you to rest for a few days following surgery. This rest is important because it allows your body to heal without putting extra stress on the surgical site. After you rest, your surgeon will encourage gentle movement to keep you from becoming stiff. Gradually increasing your mobility helps with your recovery and protects your healing spine.
You should also expect your surgeon to prescribe pain medications. You could also use over-the-counter options because all will help alleviate any discomfort. You must strictly follow the instructions your surgeon offers. Engage your surgeon if you experience side effects or if your pain becomes unmanageable. With good pain management, you can eliminate distractions and concentrate on the healing part.
Physical therapy will likely be a large part of your recovery as you progress. Your surgeon will decide when it is time for you to start this phase. A physical therapist will create a customized exercise program to strengthen your back muscles and increase your flexibility. In addition to helping you recover, physical therapy also helps promote long-term spinal health and reduce the risk of future problems. The goal is to achieve optimal outcomes, which is achieved with the transition from rest to active rehabilitation.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on the activities you should engage in and those to avoid as you recover. You may have to avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or high-impact activity for a while. This helps protect your spine and facilitates proper healing. Be sure to ask all your questions on these issues since knowing your limitations during this critical time will enable you to navigate your daily life safely.
As you recover, mind what you consume. Recovery is also a product of nutrition. Your surgeon may recommend a diet high in necessary vitamins and minerals to facilitate healing. Staying hydrated is important because proper hydration helps with overall health and recovery.
Do not forget to honor your follow-up appointments. Surgeons use these as opportunities to monitor your progress. However, these visits allow your surgeon to assess your recovery, respond to any concerns, and adjust your care plan. Ask any questions or bring up any issues that may come about during your recovery.
Patients Who are Not Ideal Candidates for Spine Spacer Surgery
Spine surgery is not for everyone. As such, informing your healthcare team about your medical history and any underlying conditions is crucial. They will help you understand the risks you could expose yourself to. They will also explore safer, more effective alternative treatments that are appropriate for you.
Complications of certain conditions can complicate both the surgical procedure and recovery. Certain conditions make you ineligible for spine spacer surgery, so it is important to consider alternative treatments or extra precautions. These conditions include:
Patients With Bleeding Disorders
If you have a bleeding disorder, like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, your blood’s ability to clot could be affected. This impairment significantly increases the risk of excessive bleeding and the difficulty of controlling surgical wounds during surgery. During your medical review, your surgeon’s team will evaluate your specific condition to determine the safest approach. They may also suggest alternative treatments or additional safety measures to lessen the risks of the surgery.
Individuals With Severely Osteoporotic
Challenges to surgical interventions also exist when osteoporosis is severe. This condition makes your bones more vulnerable to breakage. If your vertebrae are weakened, surgery could result in failed fusion or further instability. Your surgeon will examine your bone density and overall health to determine if you are a candidate for surgery or whether non-surgical options may be more suitable.
People With Increased Risk of Infection
Spine surgery may not be advisable if you have conditions like diabetes or immune system disorders, which put you at increased risk of infection. All surgical procedures have the inherent risk of infection, and a decreased immune response can hamper healing and worsen complications. As your healthcare provider considers the risks, they will discuss the treatment options. This will help you ensure that you understand the potential risks involved.
Find a Spine Spacer Surgery Experts Near Me
If you have chronic back pain, you might feel like you are trapped and desperate for relief. Some days, it seems that you cannot do anything at all, and the joy of life seems out of reach. Fortunately, spine spacer surgery is a viable option to get back to your daily activities. It begins with relieving the pressure on your spinal nerves, which can lead to considerable reductions in your pain. If you are a candidate for spine spacer surgery, you have the opportunity to regain your quality of life. This minimally invasive technique minimizes tissue damage and allows for quicker recovery than traditional surgical methods.
You can engage with one of our experienced Los Angeles spine surgeons at LAMIS. We will evaluate your situation, assess whether this new procedure is correct for you, and take you through all the details of this surgery. Seize this opportunity to address your back pain and go back to the activities you once loved. Call us at 310-734-6088 for more information about spine spacer surgery and any back-related problems you or your loved one could be experiencing.
