One of the most common health issues that primary care physicians encounter is back pain. Whether you are experiencing chronic pain or suffered from an injury, your doctor will either manage your condition by providing medication, assigning physical therapy or refer you to a spine specialist.
It is important to see a spine specialist if you experience any one of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain for an extended period of time
- Various non-surgical treatments proved unsuccessful
- Pain, numbness and tingling in your limbs
- Loss of sensation in your limbs
- Decreased motor strength in your limbs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
These conditions may be an indication of one or more severe conditions, such as spinal stenosis. Fortunately, there are now surgical procedures for the spine that do not use bone cutters, which can damage nerves and destabilize the spine.
However, not all surgeons are certified in the most advanced techniques available. It is best to do your own research to determine which specialist is the most qualified for the job.
When considering a spine specialist to perform your surgery, make sure you ask the following questions:
- Have you been trained in minimally invasive techniques?
- What are your surgical outcomes?
- What is your length of hospital stay?
- What are your infection rates?
- What are your readmission rates?
- What are your patient satisfaction scores?
- What type of patient care and education do you provide before and after surgery
The decision whether or not to undergo spine surgery is ultimately your decision. Your spine specialist should provide enough information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure to help you make the most appropriate decision.
About SonoSpine®
At SonoSpine we believe you should be fully informed partners in your care. Our doctors offer surgical intervention as the last option in the continuum of care for their patients. They are SonoSpine trained and certified because they want to offer the most advanced, least invasive, most effective procedure to their valued patients.
Contact SonoSpine® and speak with our minimally invasive spine surgeon today.