When is back surgery typically recommended?

Last resort or: When conservative treatments (pt, meds, injections, other) have failed and there is a structural problem causing disabling back and leg symptoms. Severe /progressive leg weakness, numbness and or loss of bowel and bladder control are urgent indicators for surgery.

Only when: This is dependent on diagnosis-a progressive spine deformity like scoliosis that has not responded to treatment , for disc herniation that has failed at least 12 weeks of non op care or is causing a significant weakness or bowel/bladder control issues , for unstable fractures or ones causing cord compression, certain tumors & for some infections &for spinal stenosis that is did not repond to care.

Pain, function: The two main reasons to consider back surgery: 1)if you have failed nonoperative care for a spine condition that is causing pain and/or limiting your function and there is a reasonably safe and effective surgical option; 2) if there is danger of neurological deterioration from your condition if surgery is not done, such as in Impending paralysis or neurological deficit.