What are the most common reasons for surgery in a specific area of the body?
May 18, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Jürgen Dietrich
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Dirk Bergmann and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding possible reasons for surgery in a specific area of the body. Lately, I have heard more about surgeries in the area of the spine and I am wondering what causes can lead to them.
In recent months, I have been experiencing increasing problems with back pain in the lumbar spine area. These pains mainly occur after longer periods of standing or sitting and significantly affect my daily life. Additionally, I feel that my mobility is restricted and I am not able to move as freely as before.
Since the pain does not improve despite conservative treatment measures such as physiotherapy and pain medication, I have started to research possible surgical interventions. I have come across different procedures, such as disc surgeries or spinal fusions.
My concerns mainly lie in the fact that surgery always comes with risks and I am not sure if it is really necessary in my case. Therefore, I would like to know from you what the most common reasons for surgery in the area of the spine are and if they could also apply to me.
Can you tell me possible causes for my back problems and what alternatives to surgery exist? I am looking forward to your assessment and thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dirk Bergmann
Dear Mr. Bergmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from lower back pain and that it is affecting your daily life. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible surgical interventions and are inquiring about the reasons for spine surgery.
Lower back pain can have various causes. A common cause is herniated discs, where a part of the disc protrudes between the vertebrae and presses on nearby nerves. This can cause severe pain that may radiate down the leg (known as sciatica). Degenerative changes in the spine, such as disc damage, facet joint arthritis, or spondylolisthesis, can also lead to discomfort.
Other possible causes of back problems include vertebral fractures, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), tumors, or inflammation. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine the cause of your symptoms and plan the best possible treatment.
In many cases, conservative therapies such as physiotherapy, pain medication, acupuncture, or injections can help alleviate symptoms. Targeted back education and behavioral changes in daily life, such as ergonomic sitting or regular exercise, can also help prevent back pain.
If conservative measures are not sufficient and symptoms persist or worsen despite therapy, surgery may be considered. However, the decision for surgery should always be made individually and after careful consideration of the benefits and risks.
Common surgical procedures in the spine area include disc surgeries, spinal fusions, minimally invasive procedures, or vertebral replacements. The best procedure for your case depends on the exact cause of your symptoms.
It is important that you seek advice from an experienced orthopedist or spine surgeon and discuss all treatment options with them. I am happy to answer any further questions and assist you in finding a suitable specialist.
I hope my explanations have been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of the possible causes of your back problems and alternative treatment options.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Dietrich
