Spinal conditions affect millions of people worldwide, leading to chronic pain and disability. Each year, over 20,000 spinal operations are carried out in the UK alone, with a significant number of patients alleging negligence post-surgery. This trend is likely mirrored in the USA and other countries. Among the myriad of surgical procedures, spinal fusion and discectomy are the most common. However, these operations often fail to deliver the desired outcomes, leading to serious and debilitating consequences for patients.
Common Surgical Procedures and Their Drawbacks
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is intended to stabilize a section of the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together. This procedure is often recommended for patients with conditions like spondylolisthesis or severe spinal deformities, where additional support is needed to alleviate pain. However, in practice, spinal fusion frequently fails to address the root cause of the problem.
One significant oversight in spinal fusion surgery is the failure to consider underlying issues such as “short leg syndrome.” This condition, where one leg is slightly shorter than the other, can cause an imbalanced gait or posture. By fixing the vertebrae in a rigid position, the spine loses its ability to adapt to this imbalance, potentially intensifying pain and causing new issues in other parts of the body.
Discectomy
Discectomy involves removing part or all of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on adjacent nerve roots. While the intention is to alleviate pain, this procedure often destabilizes the spinal segment, leading to the development of scar tissue and adhesions. As a result, patients may experience increased pain and further deterioration of spinal health post-surgery.
Complications of Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgeries, including spinal fusion and discectomy, come with a high risk of complications. These include:
- Nerve Root Damage: This can occur during procedures like open discectomy, spinal fusion, or even non-invasive treatments such as epidural injections. Nerve root injuries can be transient or permanent, causing sensory or motor symptoms, and in severe cases, leading to complete foot drop or affecting bladder, bowel, or sexual function.
- Post-Operative Neuroma: A painful condition where nerve tissue grows into a benign tumor at the site of surgery.
- Dural Tear and Leaking Cerebro-Spinal Fluid: These can lead to severe headaches and other neurological issues.
- Post-Operative Infection: Infections such as discitis can cause severe pain and complications.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A serious condition affecting the lower spinal nerves, leading to loss of function in the lower limbs and bladder.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis: A common post-operative risk that can lead to dangerous blood clots.
- Peripheral Nerve Injury: Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, leading to further complications.
The Problem with Current Surgical Approaches
The primary issue with many spinal surgeries is that they focus on symptomatic treatment rather than addressing the underlying cause of the pain. Surgeons, often not trained in orthopaedic medicine, may overlook non-surgical treatments that could be more effective in the long term. Furthermore, the financial aspect cannot be ignored; recommending non-surgical options might mean losing a patient and the associated revenue, something many hospitals cannot afford.
Back Pain Treatment Without Surgery
Fortunately, there are non-surgical alternatives for treating back pain that focus on the root cause of the problem. One such solution is the Spinal Backrack technology, which provides 100% non-invasive treatment. This approach works by mobilising affected joints and prescribing appropriate exercises to strengthen muscles. Thus preventing conditions like disc slippage from occurring in the first place. By addressing the underlying issues, patients can achieve pain relief and improved spinal health without the risks associated with surgical procedures.
In conclusion, while spinal surgeries are common, they often come with significant risks and may not address the root cause of spinal conditions. Non-surgical treatments like the Spinal Backrack offer a safer and more effective alternative, focusing on long-term pain relief and spinal health.
