What is Lumbar Spine Surgery?

This type of surgery is meant for the spinal cord. However, it is specific to the lower part of the spine. Here there can be found huge modifications to the spine that call for a specialist in this area. The operation is conducted in order to restore much functionality to the person.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a patient takes place through a number of procedures. For instance, the doctor will perform a number of physical exams. He/she may request the patient to do a number of short and simple exercises. In addition, the doctor will perform soft tissue imaging using an MRI machine.

At times, the doctor will perform a biopsy. This is done to rule out the possibility of a tumor or cancerous. The interview will also involve questions about the patient's daily routine. Sometimes, problems in the lower back are caused by daily activities.

Treatment

Treatment will involve either some corticosteroids or an operation. Corticosteroids are usually administered for tumors. In addition, the doctor may perform a discectomy if required. The patient is laid on the stomach and an incision made through the back. At times, the doctor may perform minimally invasive surgery. This is done to reduce the risk involved with any surgery and the patient to heal faster from the surgery.

Unless there is a tumor, most surgery in the lower back involves either fusion or decompression. Fusion surgery takes place to correct improper movement of the various bones of the lumbar region. In most cases, it is cause by a problematic spinal disc. The fusion involves grafting a bone onto the unstable section.

The decompression surgery takes place when bone squeezes on one of the nerves in this region. The operation will involve shaving off some piece of bone and expanding the bore through which the nerve passes. This helps to reduce pain so that patients can proceed with their life.

How much time is required?
After such an operation, patients do not require to stay for long in hospital. The doctor may recommend the patient to stay for observation for about a day. In rare instances, the patient will stay in the hospital for about three days.

What type of anesthesia will be given?
Recovering from an operation of the lower back does not take long. However, it can be quite painful. As such, the patient needs to take all the medication given to them. In addition, the patient needs to eat healthily. .

How will patient recover?
 It would be a great idea for the patient to go for physical therapy. This will help him/he quit using a cane to walk faster. It is important that one avoid any heavy lifting. It could destroy any efforts made by the doctor. In addition, if one notices any problems, they should report to the doctor.