When Is It Time To Think About Spine Surgery?

Back and neck pain are common. While pain improves with conservative treatments for most people, options like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments aren’t always enough for everyone. Spine surgery may be necessary to restore your quality of life when pain persists or worsens despite these measures.

David Wiles, MD, specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, and our team is here to help you find answers. Minimally invasive methods can provide effective relief and minimize recovery time — and here’s how to know when it might be time to consider it.

1. Chronic pain that will not go away

Almost everyone experiences aches and pains occasionally. However, it may be a sign of an underlying spine issue that needs surgical intervention if you’ve been dealing with persistent pain for months or years — especially if conservative care isn’t making a difference.

While many spine conditions improve with treatments like physical therapy, pain management, medications, and lifestyle changes, these methods aren’t always enough. Common conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease can all contribute to ongoing discomfort that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments.

If you’ve tried these options for several months and still haven’t found relief, surgery might be the next step.

2. Weakness, numbness, or tingling

Symptoms like weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet could indicate nerve compression or nerve damage in your spine; compressed nerves don’t always necessitate surgery, but if a nerve stays pinched for too long, it can cause permanent damage.

You might need surgery to relieve nerves pressure and prevent long-term complications in these cases.

3. Loss of mobility or function

Limited mobility, difficulty walking, or problems with coordination can signal severe conditions affecting your spinal cord or nerves. People with chronic spine conditions may find that bending, twisting, or even standing for long periods becomes increasingly challenging.

If reduced mobility interferes with your ability to work, exercise, or complete daily tasks, spine surgery could help restore movement and function.

4. Loss of bladder or bowel control

A sudden loss of bladder or bowel control can indicate a medical emergency known as cauda equina syndrome, which happens when your lower spinal nerves become severely compressed.

If you experience this symptom and severe back pain, leg weakness, or numbness in the groin area, you should seek medical attention immediately. Emergency surgery is often required to prevent permanent nerve damage in these cases.

Learn if spine surgery is best for you

You don’t have to live with persistent back pain, numbness, weakness, or mobility issues. Minimally invasive spine surgery might be a good option for you, and Dr. Wiles and our team are here to evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment approach.

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open techniques, and it could be the key to restoring a better quality of life. Contact us online or call our Chattanooga, Tennessee, office at 423-459-9800 to schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief from your chronic pain.