In most cases, neck and back pain respond to conservative treatments and adequate rest, but you may need surgical intervention if the symptoms fail to improve. Dr. Mesiwala is a complex spine & complex brain neurosurgeon Marina Del Rey with years of experience performing spine surgeries.
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Medical conditions prompting spine surgery
In most cases, back pain improves with conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Regular exercise also minimizes the intensity of back pain. However, if your symptoms don’t respond to the noninvasive treatments, your provider may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery may be more suitable if you also have a severe spinal injury. Medical conditions resulting in nerve damage, limited mobility, or chronic pain require spine surgery.
During your appointment, Dr. Mesiwaa performs a comprehensive exam to determine the underlying trigger of your pain. He may begin your treatment with conservative approaches before advancing to more aggressive treatments. If you have significant nerve damage or the treatments prove futile, he may recommend surgery to correct the defect. Dr. Mesiwala addresses several medical conditions affecting the lower back, mid-back, and neck. They include kyphosis, spinal tumors, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. Many people with chronic lower back pain often have problems in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which your doctor can treat.
Signs indicating that you need spine surgery
Persistent back and neck are the tell-tale signs that you need spine surgery. Additionally, limited mobility in your spine, frequent headaches, and inability to move your neck can indicate a severe defect in your spine. Nerve impingement that causes pain to radiate along the affected nerve can result in symptoms such as stabbing pain or a tingling sensation in your legs or arms. In severe cases, you may lose feeling in your limbs and suffer muscle weakness.
Different types of spine surgery
Dr. Mesiwala is more likely to perform minimally invasive spine surgery. The procedure involves smaller incisions meaning lesser bleeding, the ability to go home the same day, and faster recovery. He performs a wide range of spine surgeries, including:
- Artificial Disc Replacement
During the procedure, your doctor removes the old, damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one. The artificial disc stabilizes spinal stability and preserves optimal movement in your spine.
- Laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy
These procedures release pressure on your nerves. Your provider pulls out a specific area off your vertebra to decompress your nerves. They may also remove thickened ligaments that may pinch the nerves.
- Spinal fusion surgery
Following a decompression procedure, there is likely to be spinal instability. Your doctor corrects the instability by fusing two vertebrae with screws and rods or an intervertebral cage. The team removes the adjoining bones and replaces them with a bone graft to promote bone growth.
- Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy focuses on repairing herniated discs and decompressing nerves. The procedure involves removing the affected, protruding part of the disc from your spine.
To explore the benefits of spine surgery, call Dr. Mesiwala or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.