Spine surgery is generally considered for two primary reasons: neurological deficits that affect function and pain that significantly impacts quality of life.
A neurological deficit may involve weakness in an arm, a leg, or both. When weakness begins to interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, surgery may be an option worth discussing with a spine surgeon.
The second reason is pain that affects quality of life. However, what constitutes an unacceptable level of pain is different for everyone.
For example, an 80-year-old patient may experience significant pain that improves when sitting down. If the patient is comfortable managing the symptoms this way and does not want surgery, that may be a reasonable personal choice. On the other hand, a patient in their 30s or 40s may find that back or neck pain prevents them from playing sports, staying active, or enjoying activities with their children. For that person, the limitations may be unacceptable.
Ultimately, deciding whether to have spine surgery is an individual decision made through a shared decision-making process between the patient and the surgeon.
I often tell my patients, “You’ll know when it’s time.” When you reach the point where you feel, “I don’t want to live like this anymore,” it may be time to consider whether spine surgery is right for you.
My goal is to educate and empower patients so they understand their options and feel informed if and when that time comes. For the right patient, with a condition that responds well to surgery, spine surgery can help relieve symptoms, restore function, and make it possible to return to a more active, fulfilling quality of life.
When performed by a competent, ethical spine surgeon for an appropriate condition, spine surgery can be an effective treatment option.
The goal is not simply to have surgery. It’s to help you get back to living your life.