Low Back Pain

The benefits of back treatment are uncountable.

An ideal candidate would suffer from a combination of overuse, muscle strain or a related injury to the muscles and ligaments which support the spine. They may also have low back pain caused by illness or spinal deformity. Other factors related to his pain will include:

• Lack of exercise
• Hard manual activity putting stress on the lower back
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Stress and depression
• Long-term continual use of medication which weakens bones
• History of back pain
• Pregnancy
• Compression factors of the spine
• Previous back surgery
• Congenital spine problems at birth

In the event of surgery, a candidate who would not be ideal if they are unwilling to commit to post physical therapy.

Low back pain can be prevented or very much reduced by everyone at risk and anyone who has previously undergone surgery or taken medication. First, it is important to have a healthy posture whether it is sitting, standing, sleeping, walking or working. See the Internet or consult your doctor or exercise coordinator for advice.
 
Next, adhere to a healthy and well-balanced diet. Calcium, Vitamin D and phosphorus assist bone strength and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that nicotine abuse can have an adverse affect on the aging of the spinal cord and inversely affect the success of any back surgery. Finally, exercise routines are proven to alleviate low back pain or the return of it. Recommended types of exercise for the back include: swimming, walking and aerobics.

On planning to visit your doctor regarding your pain, it is important to compile a list of questions that you wish to ask him/her. Some of the common questions asked to experts on low back pain include:
• What are the possible causes of my low back pain?
• Do you think I will need to undergo any tests?
• What kind of treatment do you suggest?
• How long will the treatment last?
• What self-care measures and restrictions do I need to take?

Below is a list of questions which you may expect from your doctor, so be prepared to answer them in advance:
• How long have you been suffering from low back pain?
• Does the pain occur often?
• What do you believe is the cause of your low back pain?
• Are you involved in any hard physical work?
• Do you do any regular exercise?
• Do you suffer from stress or depression?
• Do you smoke or engage in any narcotics use?
• Is the pain affecting your everyday work/activities?
• Have you ever tried any low back treatments before?
• How did any previous treatment help the pain?

Local / General anesthesia

Surgeries like this are certainly risky, and it is mandatory that you assess the possible complications beforehand. Some risks and complications are extremely serious.

• Anesthesia Complications
  On very limited occasions, going under anesthesia leads to a heart attack, pneumonia or death.

• Infection
  An infection of the spinal canal can lead to death.

• Spinal Fluid leaks
  Although most leaks can be repaired during the actual surgery, some are serious enough to ensure follow-up surgery. Should the spinal leak go on unnoticed, there is the possibility of headaches, fluid infection or spinal meningitis.

• Nerve Damage
  Damage can seriously affect motion and sensation. Even though it is very rare, autonomic nerve injury can affect the heart and lungs possibly leading to death.

• Paralysis 
  As this surgery is conducted close to the spinal cord, one slight mistake by the surgeon can cause paralysis.

• Blood loss
  Major loss may lead to follow-up surgery to seal the leak.

• Blood clots
  Clots can produce pain, and on rare occasions travel to the heart or lung leading to death.