Treatment / Back Surgery

In a study, 20% of patients showed signs of PTSD one year after spinal fusion surgery. Can talking to your doctor before surgery help, or is there a better way?

Despite the name, failed back surgery syndrome is not so much a syndrome but is a general term that refers to an unsuccessful back surgery that brings along chronic back pain instead of relief.

Dr. Francis Gamache Jr., MD, of the Hospital for Special Surgery conducted a 14-month study involving 240 patients with neck and back conditions seeking a second opinion on a spine problem that may require surgery. Of that number, “155 (65 percent) came for a second, third, or fourth surgical opinion following an earlier opinion from a surgeon who recommended an operation.” If you’re unclear as to what constitutes a second opinion, learn what they are and how to as for them in order to make an informed health decision before spine surgery.

A bone mineral density scan presents a way for your physician to measure the amount of mineral content of your bones usually in preparation for an operation such as artificial disc replacement (ADR). So if your doctor or specialist request a bone density scan, this is what you need to know.

Experts recommend pre-surgical mental health screenings for back surgery patients. Find out which mental health condition would disqualify you from back surgery and what is the determining factor is in who gets back surgery and who doesn't?