According to WHO, back pain is the 1st rank holder among the disease complication caused by work. The prevalence of back pain varies from 10-56%. It’s a common problem that exists with equally common misunderstandings especially when the option of surgery is being considered. Back pain is basically the pain felt in the lower or upper back. 9 out of 10 adults experience back pain at some of the time in their lives. It is divided into middle back pain (thoracic), lower back pain (lumbar), tailbone pain (coccydynia).

Back pain can affect people irrespective of the age factor and for different reasons. It may come with mild to severe complications. While there may be different causes of back pain, the after effects bring severe problems for the victim of back pain. People often believe some common myths about back pain and back surgery. But the reality is totally different from their beliefs. Here are described few common myths and actual realities associated with back surgery. Let’s read on.

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Myth

You need spine surgery only when you have back pain.

Reality

Leg pain, especially after walking or standing for a long time, can be a symptom of compression of nerve roots. If you do experience leg pain, then it’s important to visit a neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to keep the associated complications at bay.

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Myth

After spine surgery, you will be bed ridden or paralyzed

Reality

With every surgical procedure, there are risks. However, with new era, spine surgery has also advanced with newer and safer options that can help in minimizing the risks. Image-guidance system for surgical instrumentation, availability of microscopes and endoscopes that provides better visualization of inside the body has improved the outcome to a great extent. Each patient will have a specific recovery plan prescribed by the doctor. It’s imperative to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully as this will help in a speedy recovery. Depending on the type of surgery and patient’s health, one can resume normal activities soon after the surgery.

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Myth

Spine surgery is out of budget surgery.

Reality

Since back pain is the leading cause for the years lived with disability in India, the return to health is paramount. If your symptoms are severe enough to warrant surgery, keep in mind that new technologies specifically regarding minimally invasive spine surgery, the length of stay in a hospital is less than what used to be in earlier days, thus lowering the overall expense of the surgery.

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Originally Published at https://tibss.in/