10 Benefits of Neurological Surgery and Spine Surgery

Back pain sufferers know a unique agony.

The LA Times captures the frustration back pain brings to struggling patients:

“The pain can run the gamut from irritating to excruciating. It can include sharp twinges, dull aches and even gasp-inducing spasms that surge like gigantic electric shocks.”

And, after failing with many other options, they often opt to choose between neurological surgery and spine surgery.

While there are differences between neurological surgery and spine surgery, they share many patient benefits. Both can offer minimally invasive techniques.

We’ve created a list of 10 shared benefits of neurological surgery and spine surgery.

Let’s find out what these procedures can do for you:

1. Neurological Surgery and Spine Surgery Improve Mobility

The same LA Times article explains that back pain “can last anywhere from a day or two to years and years. It is said to be ‘chronic’ if it lasts several months.”

They go on to explain what many of us know:

“Most Americans will suffer back pain at some point in their lives, but despite plenty of diagnostic tools and treatment options available, it’s one of medicine’s most confounding problems.”

For some, back pain can be so bad that the person can barely walk. In many cases, surgery is the best answer.

Luckily, there have been major advances in how experienced doctors can perform neurological surgery and spine surgery. These operations can offer relief and hope to back pain sufferers.

Having trouble with your mobility? These procedures can help.

Before Sindy Fuller started getting treatment from Dr. Jagannathan four years ago, she was in severe pain. Dr. Jagannathan diagnosed her back disorder as having a cyst on her spine.

He performed minimally invasive back surgery on Ms. Fuller. Her recovery was fast and resulted in her being pain-free.

A 64-year old, Fuller is extremely active. She notes that she wouldn’t be able to walk at this point if Dr. Jagannathan hadn’t fixed her back issues.

2. Neurological Surgery and Spine Surgery Lower Pain

Most patients who elect surgery do so to either increase mobility or decrease pain. We already know these techniques are shown to increase mobility.

How do they work on pain?

“Less invasive back surgery shortens recovery time, lessens pain.”

These surgeries have also been proven to reduce pain that interferes with sexual activity.

And the proof extends to scientific journals.

“Surgery is more effective in reducing pain that interferes with sexual activity, compared to nonsurgical treatment.”

3. Less Post-op Pain

The same report states great hope for those of us who have been afraid surgery would make things worse:

“For years, people with chronic back pain have struggled with the decision to undergo surgery, knowing the surgery itself could cause chronic pain, too.”

These types of surgeries alleviate pain:

4. Small Incision

They also create less post-operative pain, due to minimally invasive techniques.

Your doctor will generally make an incision less than one inch long to perform the entire surgery.

Using a smaller incision results in less scarring, too.

5. Less Blood Loss During Surgery

A smaller incision means less blood loss during surgery. For anyone concerned about the severity of their procedure, this fact can be reassuring.

6. Minimal Muscle Damage

Minimally invasive techniques don’t just offer less blood loss.

As the patient’s muscles are dilated rather than retracted, they suffer much less damage than from traditional methods.

This approach minimizes the disruption of bodily tissues, which reduces recovery time.

7. Reduced Recovery Time

Advances in neurological surgery and spine surgery cut down on recovery time.

Generally, patients can be discharged from the hospital the day after surgery – down from three to four nights with traditional surgery – and return to work within 15 days on average, down from one to two months for traditional surgery.

In some cases, minimally invasive neurological surgery and spine surgery can be done on an outpatient basis.

8. Lower Risk of Complications

There are a number of complication risks when considering any surgical procedure.

With neurological surgery and spine surgery these complications include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Graft site pain
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots

Also, minimally invasive techniques cut down on the risk.

Research by Johns Hopkins reveals how these techniques make surgery safer:

“Minimally invasive surgery, done in the right patients, represents an under-recognized opportunity not only for cost savings, but also for making surgery safer, reducing the very real suffering associated with surgical complications.”

9. Provide a Permanent Solution

Advanced techniques in neurological surgery and spine surgery can also provide a permanent solution for many patients.

For any back pain sufferer who has struggled with finding the right treatment option for their mobility and pain issues, this can be amazing news.

These techniques offer “a permanent solution for many patients that allows them to preserve mobility and return to their routines and favorite activities.”

“And it’s safe and effective for older adults.”

10. Safe for Older Patients

Older patients often struggle more with back and leg pain issues than do their younger counterparts. A serious impediment to their mobility, back pain can seem to be an unsolvable problem.

In many cases, due to their age, surgeons are hesitant to use traditional methods as a treatment option.

Due to the blood loss, muscle damage, recovery time, and the possibility of complications, the odds of success are greatly diminished with older patients.

But not so with minimally invasive techniques.

At one time, surgery was thought to be too risky to be a viable option for seniors. However, minimally invasive procedures have allowed older patients the benefits of the technique.

There are many examples of older patients who have tried physical therapy and injections that didn’t work.

Dr. Roger Hartl, Neurosurgeon at Weill-Cornell Medical Center, has suggested a minimally invasive approach to patients with great results.

One of his patients who had the minimally invasive surgery is a great case study for the treatment option. She was released from the hospital after a one-night stay.

In addition, she was back on her feet and walking upon her release from the hospital.

This patient’s results have been astounding. She actually was able to return to running.

Not bad for a neurological surgery and spine surgery patient in her 80s.

It Works

Once you understand the many benefits of neurological surgery and spine surgery, the next step is finding a surgeon you can trust.

Contact Executive Spine Surgery today!