The phrase orthopedic surgery can only sometimes refer to back surgery. However, orthopedic surgeons specialize in the skeletal system in general. So, while you could use an orthopedic surgeon to perform orthopedic surgery, it wouldnt have to be your only option.
The other type of doctor that can perform back surgery on you would be a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons specialize, predictably enough, in the human nervous system. So, technically, you cant call surgery they do orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery–More Information
However, orthopedic surgery isnt just for bones. Its for anything bone-related. Like joints, cartilage, ligaments and even muscles. Orthopedic surgery can cover quite a bit, really.
Obviously, orthopedic surgery, like other types of surgeries, is a last resort. You only go under the knife if nothing else has gotten your pain to go away. So, if you think you might need orthopedic surgery, talk to a doctor.
A ruptured disc, or as it is properly known a herniated disk, is one of the most common causes of low back pain. Thats the good news. The bad news is that the number of people suffering with this type of ailment is going up.
Your spine is made up of several vertebrae (the plural form of vertebra). These vertebrae are essentially cases for your spinal cord, which is a long strand of nerves that allows your brain to communicate with the rest of your body. In between each vertebra is a disk that allows the vertebrae to move independently of each other.
Ruptured Disc–Why Theyre Bad
The disks act like shock absorbers for your vertebrae. However, sometimes a disk can get pushed out of alignment and even rub against nerves in the spine. Extreme pain can result. This is when you have a herniated or ruptured disc.
Back surgery is not always necessary. In fact, most herniated disc cases heal on their own with conservative treatment. However, its never possible to predict how these things will turn out. So, if you think youre suffering from a herniated disk and its not getting any better, talk to a doctor as soon as you can.
A discectomy, as difficult as it is to say, is probably the most common type of back surgery for dealing with back pain, usually only when pain goes down into the legs. A discectomy, like all back surgery, is a last resort, when all other, more conservative, treatments fail. In fact, this type of back surgery is only done under specific circumstances.
Those circumstances must relate directly to strong evidence pointing to a slipped or ruptured disc. Or, as it is properly known, a herniated disc. In fact, its pretty definite that if there is no actual herniated disc but there is pain, there is little chance of the pain going away thanks to this procedure.
Discectomy–What Happens
When you suffer from a herniated disc, it means that one of the shock absorbers in between each of your vertebrae (the sections of your spine) has some how gotten out of line with the rest of your spine. This can cause extreme pain as the disc, itself, pushes against nerves. A discectomy removes the part of the disc that is out of line with the vertebrae.
In most cases, this procedure takes care of the pain, however, not immediately and there is some amount of physical therapy required after the procedure is done. But remember, this type of surgery is a last resort, like all back surgery. Your doctor will most likely need to go through plenty of other treatments before suggesting this one.
Prodisc is a particular brand of artificial discs that can replace any discs in your own spine that may be causing you pain. Sometimes, a regular discectomy procedure isnt enough to stop the disc from causing pain. Its also possible that a disc could be damaged from extreme use or extreme misuse.
In fact, discs show wear and tear naturally throughout your life. However, barring any diseases or disorders, most of the time, pain related to this wear and tear doesnt show up until you are older than 40 if it shows up at all. But when the disc is in bad shape, some doctors believe that it might as well be replaced. As you might imagine, theres a catch.
Prodisc Treatments–Not in the US
Unfortunately, treatments using the Prodisc are not done in the US as of yet. However, they are done in Germany and are generally a smarter alternative compared to traditional procedures. In this case traditional procedures means the fusing of two of your vertebrae.
The vertebrae above and below your herniated disc are coaxed into growing together. This procedure stops the pain, but can also limit the spines flexibility. Logically, replacing the disc entirely does make the most sense.
Disc replacement surgery is exactly what it sounds like. As with all back surgery, disc replacement is a last resort. The procedure literally means that a disc in your spine is replaced with an artificial disc.
In some cases where conservative treatments dont work, even common back surgery will fail, as well. Of course, the patient cant go on with life experiencing the extreme pain associated with disc problems. The solution, some doctors say, is disc replacement.
The Disc Replacement Catch
There is a slight catch with disc replacement treatments. While they have been determined to be safe and successful, they still have not been approved for patients in the US. However, countries in Europe do allow citizens from other countries, including America to undergo the treatment.
So, if you suffer from low back pain and youve tried everything else, disc replacement might be your solution. Obviously, talk to a doctor, or maybe even several doctors to make sure that disc replacement is your only option. You never want to go into any surgery with out making absolutely certain you need it.