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EDISCSCULPTThe Cost of Continued Pain
Anyone who has experienced chronic back pain and related symptoms knows how much of an impact spine conditions have on day-to-day living. Chronic pain not only reduces quality of life - it is associated with long term loss of productivity. For this reason, the cost of back surgery should not be looked at alone, but in the context of the alternative: lost wages and reduced quality of life.
Chronic pain of any kind is associated with a variety of related conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weakened immune system
Each of these conditions can cause a loss of productivity at work, including more days away from work. Treatment for these complications can become costly, and as long as your chronic pain continues, the underlying cause is never addressed. Even more significant, all of these side effects are associated with a lower life expectancy, worse overall health, and high medical costs. In addition, patients with very physical jobs may be totally unable to
work due to too much pain, or because of muscle weakness or neurological
symptoms.
Laser and Open Back Surgery
While worth the cost for patients who need it, the price of surgery is not inconsiderable. For this reason among others, surgery is usually only used as a last resort. Often, spine problems can be treated with physical therapy, chiropractic care or weight loss. When these treatments do not work, surgery is a cost-effective, permanent treatment.
Two main types of back surgery are typically performed: laser surgery, and traditional surgery. Traditional surgery is performed in a hospital setting, while laser surgery uses cutting-edge technology to perform surgeries in an outpatient setting.
Both procedures are often covered by insurance. If you have insurance, the amount you pay will depend on your deductible and copay; you should contact your physician and insurance provider for details. If you do not have insurance, your physician can direct you towards organizations which can provide a financing plan.
The price of any procedure will vary based location, the surgeon's level of expertise, and the type of procedure. For this reason, the exact cost will depend on the specific office or hospital where you get your treatment. Price also depends on how extensive, lengthy, or specialized the procedure is.
In general, laser surgery may be more expensive up-front than open back surgery, because the machines used are expensive to maintain and require frequent upkeep. However, laser surgery has several advantages which translate into potential long-term savings:
- Faster return to work - laser back surgery patients can often return to work in about 1/6 the time of open back surgery patients, translating into fewer lost wages
- Reduced need for prescription medication
- Faster recovery means less physical therapy and fewer follow-up appointments
- Lower risk of infection reduces the risk of incurring associated costs
One way to get the most out of your surgery is to be vigilant about post-surgery care. This includes losing weight if necessary; taking any medications as per your physician's instructions; lifting carefully; maintaining good posture; and going to physical therapy. These steps keep your recovery time as short as possible, while reducing the chances of further back problems developing.
In the vast majority of cases, surgery cures the condition, and no further treatment is needed. As is often the case, the short-term cost of undergoing surgery is much less than the long-term cost of not getting treatment.
To learn more about whether spine surgery is right for you, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-430-0312.
info@dattaendoscopic.com