Lower Back Surgery

Overview

Lower back surgery is often considered when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections fail to alleviate chronic pain or when there are significant structural issues in the spine. This type of surgery can relieve pain, restore mobility, and address underlying conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms

Patients who may benefit from lower back surgery often experience:

• Persistent lower back pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments
• Pain radiating down the legs (sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases, requiring immediate attention)

Causes

Surgery on the lower back is typically recommended for the following conditions:

• Herniated or bulging discs: Discs pressing on spinal nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression.
• Degenerative disc disease: Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs causing chronic pain.
• Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another, leading to nerve compression.
• Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain radiating down the leg.
• Spinal fractures or injuries: Structural damage due to trauma or osteoporosis.
• Spinal tumors: Abnormal growths that may require surgical removal.

When to See a Consultant

You should consult a specialist if:

• Lower back pain persists despite conservative treatments.
• Pain or symptoms worsen over time, impacting your quality of life.
• You experience significant neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Daily activities become challenging due to pain or reduced mobility.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and improve outcomes.