Why is there such a high failure rate with lower back surgery?

Up to 40% of lower back surgery fails, with some suggesting this figure is higher. There is now even a term for people who fall into this category, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Most orthopedic surgeons will only operate as a last resort. They will recommend exhausting all conservative treatment options possible, and often wait until the patient has had the back complaint for many years before they will consider surgery. And rightfully so, with the failure rate, the the percentage of people who actually come out with much more pain and dysfunction, not to mention the associated risk in carrying out surgery so close to the spine.

Surgeons are absolutely brilliant at what they do however in simple terms, lower back surgery fails to address the root underlying cause of lower back pain.

MRI’s, CT Scans and x-rays show wear and tear to the spine, herniated discs but what they fail to show is ‘weakened muscles’.

The cause of back pain is weakened postural muscles, most of which are not even muscles of the back. When these major muscles that support the pelvis and the lower back are not carrying out their correct function, excessive load is placed on the lower back and its structures. This affects the discs, joints and the muscles of the lower back which are the areas that cause pain.

However just because the pain is coming from the lower back, just because the pain is coming from in and around the discs, the joints and the tiny intrinsic muscles that support the spinal segments does not mean that this is the underlying cause. The pain is secondary and symptomatic of the lack of support to this area, meaning that the postural muscles must be addressed.

The reason why so many people fail to respond to back surgery is that it does nothing to restore postural symmetry. There is no level of brilliance, no magic wand for the surgeon to wave over weakened muscles to strengthen them so the person’s back will be supported once they are sewn back up.  

In short lower back surgery for most people addresses the symptoms of back pain, not the cause. It is a band aid approach that offers help for some, however fails many.

In cases where there is neural impingement that will not settle with rest and or treatment, back surgery can be extremely effective at reducing symptoms allowing the patient to commence rehabilitative exercise to address the cause of the impingement in the first place.  

In many cases of surgery placebo is considered one of the most effective reasons for recovery, lower back surgery could very well assist many via this path also.

The problem for most people however is the only reason they undergo surgery is because they have exhausted all conservative options. There is no clear indication that surgery will help them, however they feel they have nothing to lose, they feel that something in their back must be broken requiring repair.

In conclusion there reason why there is such a high failure rate with lower back surgery is due to

  • Surgery addressing the symptoms, not the cause of back pain
  • Many people undergo back surgery as a last resort after failing to respond to conservative treatment.

Eight Habits That Can Save You From Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is also known as lumbago. The problem is quite common in the world we live in, and there are several reasons behind its occurrence. Some of the most common reasons are sitting and /or standing in a bad posture, infections, accident or trauma, tumors and degenerative changes in the spine that occurs with age. Lower back pain occurs most commonly due to irritation in the vertebrae, spinal nerves, intervertebral discs or back muscles. Meeting with an accident or lifting something heavy is how most people develop lower back pain. Also, people after crossing a certain age becomes weak. Their bones become weaker and therefore, they can’t withstand any accident or trauma.

Eight of out ten people in this world suffer from lower back problems. If you think you can protect yourself, then you can try, but it is not that easy. There is nothing extraordinary required to trigger lower back pain. A small jerk, wrong lift, slip and fall injury can trigger pain in the lower back, and then, your activities will be restricted for a long period of time. If you want to get relief from lower back pain, then here are eight habits that you need to follow on a regular basis.

1. Avoid sitting for too long

Whether you are sitting in your office or sitting at home, it is important to avoid prolonged sitting. Don’t put pressure on certain parts of your body, or else problems like the lower back pain will occur again and again. After 45-60 minutes, stretch your arms and legs, stand up and take a stroll. Do some stretches in order to ensure proper flow of blood.

2. Quit Smoking

If you are a smoker, then you are more likely to suffer from lower back pain as compared to those who don’t smoke. So, try getting rid of this habit as soon as possible. I know it won’t happen instantly, but you can start by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke to completely stopping smoking. Smoking can cause your discs to rupture and it also slows down the healing process by reducing the blood flow and the supply of oxygen.

3. Indulge in exercise

Nobody suggests that people suffering from lower back pain should rest all day. On the contrary, it is encouraged that people should take part in physical activities to keep their bodies fit and healthy. Yoga, exercises, and stretches help strengthen the back, so one must try it on a daily basis. Consult Back Solutions Clinic for the issue of lower back pain Melbourne today.

4. Take more Vitamin D and Calcium

To increase the strength of your bones, you must take more calcium and Vitamin D. Include food items in your diet that are rich in calcium and Vitamin D such as green vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, oranges and more. Get a diet chart and fix back pain Melbourne issue .

5. Mind your diet

Eat healthy food that is good for your heart and bones. Avoid fried and sugary food because they won’t have any nutritional value whatsover. Include food that is rich in fiber content and vital nutrients.

6. Avoid lifting heavy loads

Don’t put pressure on your spine by lifting heavy loads. If you have to pick something up, then make sure that the weight is equally spread throughout your body.

7. Change your shoes

Wear shoes that are flexible, lightweight and comfortable. This will put less pressure on your spine and lower back.

8. Add a pillow under your knees while sleeping

When you sleep on your back, you put around 50 pounds of pressure on your spine. With the inclusion of a pillow, that pressure can be reduced up to 50% and also help alleviate lower back pain.