A Comprehensive Guide to Lower Back Pain Treatment and Surgical Options

Lower back pain is an unavoidable experience for many people during their lifetime. Statistics show that approximately 90% of individuals experience lower back pain at some point, and it is one of the leading causes of temporary disability in people under 45. However, when is surgery necessary? How can you choose the right surgical approach? This article provides an in-depth exploration.Illustration of a herniated disc. (Image provided by Heho Health)

Causes and Treatment of Lower Back Pain
The causes of lower back pain are diverse and vary by age. In younger individuals, it is often caused by soft tissue inflammation or poor posture. In contrast, middle-aged and older adults may experience it due to degenerative spinal diseases, infections, or metastatic malignancies. Most patients can improve with conservative treatments, such as rest, avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining proper posture, and undergoing physical therapy.

Surgical intervention may be necessary when neurological symptoms occur, such as persistent sciatica, limb weakness, or bowel and bladder incontinence. If conservative treatment fails to improve symptoms after a month, seeking medical attention promptly is advised.

Types and Goals of Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgeries are generally classified into three categories:

• Decompression Surgery: Relieves nerve compression, such as removing herniated disc material.
• Stabilization and Fusion Surgery: Addresses spinal instability, such as spondylolisthesis.
• Corrective Surgery: Treats spinal deformities like scoliosis.

Using discectomy as an example: Differences between traditional and minimally invasive surgery. (Image provided by Heho Health)

Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery
With advancements in medical technology, minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) have become popular due to their smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Endoscopic procedures often result in incisions as small as 1 cm and offer excellent postoperative outcomes. However, the suitability of a surgical method depends on the patient’s specific condition and the surgeon’s expertise. Decisions should focus on the medical necessity rather than solely on the incision size or procedure name.

Seeking a Second Opinion the Right Way
Many patients consider a second opinion after learning they require spinal surgery. It is recommended to prepare complete medical records and imaging CDs beforehand to avoid redundant tests. When discussing with a physician, focus on the necessity and risks of the treatment plan rather than requesting a specific type of surgery.

The Importance of Shared Decision-Making
Modern healthcare emphasizes "shared decision-making," where patients and doctors collaborate to explore treatment options, risks, and benefits. By aligning the treatment plan with the patient's values and the physician’s expertise, the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Whether through conservative treatment or surgical intervention, accurate diagnosis and a well-suited treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life and health of individuals with lower back pain.

This article is authorized for use by Heho Health.