Ask a doctor - How do I know if I need spine surgery?

Q. How do I know if I need spine surgery?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Deciding if you need spine surgery isn't a DIY task. But, here are some signs that might suggest it's on the table:

1. Stubborn Pain: If your back or neck pain just won't budge with regular treatments, surgery might be a consideration.

2. Nerve Issues: If you're dealing with ongoing issues like tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs, it could signal a problem that might need surgery.

3. Can't Do Your Thing: If your spine is messing with your everyday activities or your ability to work, surgery might come up as a way to get you back on track.

4. Crooked Spine: If your spine is curving in a way that's getting worse, especially in conditions like scoliosis, surgery might be an option to straighten things out.

5. Unstable Spine: Conditions that make your spine wobbly (like spondylolisthesis) might need surgery to make things stable.

6. Tried Everything Else: If you've given conservative treatments a good shot—things like physical therapy and meds—and you're not seeing improvement, surgery might be considered.

7. Spine Troubles with Tumors or Infections: If you're dealing with spinal tumors or infections, surgery could be on the table to remove the problematic stuff.

Remember, these are just signs, not a self-diagnosis. If you're dealing with persistent spine issues, see a pro. They'll dig into your medical history, maybe order some scans, and figure out if surgery is the right move for you. It's a team effort between you and your healthcare provider to find the best path forward.