Spinal Surgery

What are the Risks of Back Surgery? | Do You Need Back Surgery in LA

For patients in the Los Angeles area considering back surgery, understanding the risks and benefits is crucial before making a decision.

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Chronic back pain is one of the most challenging conditions to live with. Constant discomfort without relief can be frustrating, depressing, and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are advanced surgical procedures designed to relieve or even eliminate this pain.

For patients in the Los Angeles area considering back surgery, understanding the risks and benefits is crucial before making a decision. Dr. Yashar and his expert team at Yashar Neurosurgery provide cutting-edge spine care with a focus on patient safety and outcomes. As one of the best spinal surgeons in Los Angeles, Dr. Yashar offers comprehensive evaluations to help you weigh your options confidently.

Overview of Back Surgery

Back surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms caused by spinal conditions. It aims to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms Indicating Surgery May Help

You might be a candidate for back surgery if you experience:

  • Radiating pain (e.g., from the back to the legs or arms to the hands)
  • Numbness in specific body areas
  • A feeling of heaviness or weakness in limbs
  • Loss of bladder control

These symptoms can result from conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, fractures, or scoliosis, all of which may require surgical intervention.

Causes of Back Problems Requiring Surgery

Back pain severe enough to consider surgery often stems from:

  • Herniated or slipped discs pressing on nerves
  • Bone spurs causing nerve compression
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Spinal deformities like scoliosis

Each condition affects the spine differently and may necessitate specific surgical approaches.

Diagnosis

A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist in Los Angeles includes:

  • Detailed medical history and symptom review
  • Physical and neurological examinations
  • Imaging studies such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine if surgery is appropriate and which procedure will be most effective.

Treatment Options

At Yashar Neurosurgery, patients have access to a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to their specific spinal issues.

Surgical Procedures

There are over 10 different types of spinal surgeries offered, including:

  • Discectomy (removal of herniated disc material)
  • Spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae)
  • Laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure)
  • Correction of scoliosis deformities

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS)

Minimally invasive techniques reduce tissue damage, lower infection risk, and shorten recovery time. Yashar Neurosurgery specializes in MIS, providing Los Angeles patients with advanced options that minimize the typical risks of back surgery. Dr. Yashar is recognized as one of the best minimally invasive spine surgeons in Los Angeles.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

For some patients, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or pain management may be effective alternatives.

Benefits and Risks of Back Surgery

Understanding both the potential benefits and risks is vital when considering back surgery.

Benefits

  • Significant reduction or elimination of chronic pain
  • Improved mobility and function
  • Enhanced quality of life

Risks

According to a Sutter Health report, the primary risks of back surgery are similar to those of any major surgery:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Postoperative stiffness or numbness in the operated area

If your surgery involves implants or devices, these generally have a high success rate with minimal risks. However, there is a small chance of implant dislocation, which might require additional surgery.

Rare but Serious Risks

  • Paralysis is a common fear but is extremely rare. Notably, lumbar surgeries cannot cause paralysis because the spinal cord does not extend to that region.

In most cases, the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks, especially for patients suffering from severe or chronic spinal pain.

Recovery & Prognosis

Postoperative recovery varies but commonly includes:

  • Mild pain and discomfort
  • Numbness or stiffness around the surgical site

Doctors typically prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter medications to ease recovery. Most symptoms improve as healing progresses.

When to See a Specialist

If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or bladder control issues, it is important to consult a spine specialist promptly.

For patients in the Los Angeles area, seeking care from the best spinal surgeon in Los Angeles ensures access to expert evaluation and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main risks of back surgery?

The main risks include bleeding, infection, stiffness, numbness, and, rarely, implant complications. Paralysis is extremely uncommon, especially in lumbar surgeries.

How successful is back surgery?

Most back surgeries have high success rates in reducing pain and improving function when performed by experienced surgeons.

Are minimally invasive spine surgeries safer?

Minimally invasive spine surgery reduces tissue damage and lowers risks such as infection and prolonged recovery, making it a preferred option for many patients.

How do I choose the best surgeon in Los Angeles for back surgery?

Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in spinal procedures, advanced training in minimally invasive techniques, and a strong track record of patient outcomes. Dr. Yashar is recognized as the best minimally invasive spine surgeon in Los Angeles, offering expert care for complex spine conditions.

Schedule Your Consultation with Yashar Neurosurgery

If you are considering back surgery and want to understand the benefits and risks in detail, contact Yashar Neurosurgery. Our Los Angeles–based team offers advanced, cutting-edge procedures to help you overcome chronic back pain.

You can reach us online or call (424) 361-0923 to schedule a consultation with one of the best spinal surgeons in Los Angeles. Let us help you take the first step toward lasting relief.

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