Back pain is one of the most common health concerns worldwide. Studies suggest that nearly 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. For some, the pain is short-lived, but for others, it becomes persistent, severely affecting quality of life. When medications, rest, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes fail to provide relief, spine surgery might be the only option recommended by doctors. For many patients, the very thought of surgery around the spinal cord creates fear and anxiety. Patients often ask: Is spine surgery really safe? Is it painful?” However, you can be rest assured, you are in safe hands. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is reputed as one of the best spine surgery hospital in Mumbai and offers revolutionary, efficient, and safe surgical options.
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What is a Spinal Surgery?
Spinal surgery is a specialized surgery to correct issues of the spine, be it disc-related, vertebrae-related, or nerve-related. It can be done to alleviate pain, improve mobility, or avoid further damage when non-surgical treatments fail.
Some of the most common conditions for which spine surgery can be performed include:
- Herniated discs compressing nerves
- Spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures caused by trauma or osteoporosis
- Scoliosis and posture, and functional deformities
Who Needs Spine Surgery?
Not all back pain patients need surgery. Most conditions, in fact, do respond to non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injection. Nevertheless, surgery can be suggested if:
- Pain continues after months of conservative management
- Nerve compression results in numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel function
- Structural deformities pose long-term mobility issues
- Injuries like fractures compromise spinal stability
Your doctor will carefully balance the risks and benefits prior to recommending surgery.
Understanding Spine Surgery
Modern spine surgery has come a long way. Minimally invasive techniques, advanced imaging, and robotic-assisted procedures have significantly improved safety and recovery outcomes. Patients undergoing surgery today often experience:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster rehabilitation
These advancements have positioned India as a destination for quality spine care, with several centres recognized among the best spine surgery hospitals in India.
Benefits of Spine Surgery
When performed for the right reasons, spine surgery can be life-changing. Some key benefits include:
- It can provide pain relief making your daily life comfortable.
- It improves the patient’s mobility.
- Reduced pain helps give patients a better quality of life.
- Timely intervention can prevent worsening the condition.
- It helps patients stay active.
- Many patients no longer require long-term painkillers after surgery.
Risks of Spine Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, spine surgery carries risks. Understanding them helps patients make informed decisions. Potential complications include:
- Infection during or after a surgery
- Nerve damage leading to numbness or weakness
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Implant or hardware issues
- Persistent pain despite surgery
- Rare complications like dural tears or lung problems
Medical statistics suggest that severe complications such as paralysis are extremely rare. According to one large study, the mortality rate for lumbar spine surgery was only 0.13% a reminder that while no surgery is risk-free, spine surgery today is much safer than most people believe due to advances in the medical world.
Is Spine Surgery Really That Risky?
This misconception has been going on for years. Just like any other medical surgery, this surgery also has inherent risks. However, the likelihood of catastrophic complications in spine surgery is very low. Here are some key factors that influence the success and safety of a spine surgery:
- The patient’s health at the time of the surgery
- The specific condition being treated
- Any existing health conditions
- The expertise of the surgeon
- Post-operative care and rehabilitation
Patients should openly discuss their concerns with their doctor to understand both the potential benefits and risks in their unique case.
While risks exist, they are generally low when the surgery is performed by an experienced specialist at a reputable spine surgery hospital equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure. For those considering surgery, a detailed conversation with a spine specialist can help set realistic expectations and address individual queries.
Spine Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Are you or someone you know suffering from a spine disorder? You must seek specialist medical advice at the earliest to understand your situation and seek appropriate care. Do not delay in seeking medical care, as it can worsen the situation. At our Centre for Bone & Joint, spine surgeries are performed using advanced minimally invasive techniques that achieve the same outcomes as traditional open surgery but with a less traumatic approach. Through small incisions, specialized instruments and endoscopes, our surgeons perform surgeries with high precision and minimal complications. This results in less pain, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, and fewer scars. Consult the best spine surgeons in Mumbai at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, for advanced care with cutting-edge technology and expert care.
