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EDISCSCULPTLike any surgery, back surgery is not without risks, however minor and rare. Operating on the spine involves performing surgery near the spinal cord and nerve roots. Potentially, damage could occur to these structures, even damage severe enough as to lead to paralysis. However, severe side effects paralysis after back surgery is exceedingly rare, to the tune of 1 in tens of thousands.
Possible Side Effects of Back Surgery
The majority of patients who undergo spine surgery don't experience any side effects, but there are some potential complications, including:
No doctor will recommend surgery unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you doctor has recommended back surgery, he or she has done so because the benefit of relieving your spine condition outweighs the associated risks, including the miniscule risk of serious side effects. On the other hand, because there are some risks associated with surgery, it will only be recommended if it is the only way to treat the condition.
While the risk of paralysis is so low as to be a non-starter for most people, all patients should be fully informed about the potential side effects of the procedure they're undergoing. Before surgery, your doctor should take the time to discuss any concerns with you. Ultimately, the risk of paralysis is the same type of calculated risk people take when driving a car or boarding an airplane.
To schedule a consultation about whether back surgery is right for you, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.
Possible Side Effects of Back Surgery
The majority of patients who undergo spine surgery don't experience any side effects, but there are some potential complications, including:
- Infection - This is the most common, and it is much more likely with open back surgery, which requires a stay in a hospital (where infections are common) and a large wound
- Continued symptoms - While rare, this is another relatively common side effect; the risk of continued symptoms is one reason to make sure to choose a trusted physician
- Bleeding - Again, bleeding is more common with traditional spine surgery, which requires a large incision
- Clotting - After a major procedure that requires a hospital stay, patients may not move much for a few days; without proper care, clotting may occur
No doctor will recommend surgery unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you doctor has recommended back surgery, he or she has done so because the benefit of relieving your spine condition outweighs the associated risks, including the miniscule risk of serious side effects. On the other hand, because there are some risks associated with surgery, it will only be recommended if it is the only way to treat the condition.
While the risk of paralysis is so low as to be a non-starter for most people, all patients should be fully informed about the potential side effects of the procedure they're undergoing. Before surgery, your doctor should take the time to discuss any concerns with you. Ultimately, the risk of paralysis is the same type of calculated risk people take when driving a car or boarding an airplane.
To schedule a consultation about whether back surgery is right for you, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.
info@dattaendoscopic.com