How Much is Spine Surgery

It is an unfortunate fact that many patients who suffer from chronic pain are reluctant to consider surgery for fear they will not be able to afford it. However, the fact is that most patients who need spine surgery are able to afford it. While there will be some initial cost for most patients, the long-term benefits tend to outweigh that cost both financially and emotionally.

Costs

There are two main forms of spine surgery available: laser back surgery and open back surgery. Laser surgery is performed in an outpatient setting using minimally invasive procedures. Open back surgery is a more serious procedure, and requires a hospital stay. Some serious or rare spine conditions can only be treated using open spine surgery and may require treatment by a specialist; however, most routine spine conditions can be treated using laser back surgery. Such conditions include herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and bone spurs.

The exact cost of any procedure will vary based on several factors. These include:

• Cost of living in the area
  
• Current price of medical supplies, especially medication
  
• How extensive the procedure is
  
• Whether or not a hospital stay is necessary
  
• Expertise of the surgeon
  
• Cost associated with recovery, including physical therapy
  
• Number of days away from work
  

Only your physician can give you an estimate of the cost of your surgery, based on the procedure being performed and current prices. Both laser and open back surgery may be covered by insurance, although the patient may still be required to contribute a copay; uninsured patients may be able to obtain a financing plan.

Laser back surgery requires only about 1/4 of the time away from work as compared to open back surgery, resulting in fewer lost wages - most patients can return to work after about a week. Many laser spine surgery patients find that their full time away can be covered by sick days. Furthermore, there is no hospital stay and usually no need for prescription medication following the procedure, both of which can become costly. On the other hand, because laser back surgery relies on cutting-edge technology, including lasers that require careful and frequent upkeep, the tools required for the procedure may be more expensive than those used in open back surgery.

As stated, some time away from work is required for both types of procedure; the exact length varies by the condition being treated, the patient's prior health, and the patient's occupation. In order to minimize the impact on their work performance, some patients choose to plan their surgery around important deadlines; additionally, some plan their surgery around holidays or important family events.

Benefits

There are many costs associated with not receiving effective treatment for chronic pain; these costs may be financial or personal. Indeed, anyone who has suffered from chronic pain can attest to the wide-ranging effect pain has on quality of life. The effects of chronic pain include:

• Lower work productivity, or even inability to work
  
• More sick days
  
• Money expended on treatments, medicine, and doctor's appointments
  
• Higher risk of other health issues, including depression, insomnia, and weakened immune system
  
• Decreased ability to participate in hobbies
  
• Strain on relationships with family and friends
  

Getting effective treatments eliminates these costs. As a result, the majority of patients who receive spine surgery report being satisfied with the procedure, and feel that the procedure was worth the cost and time away from work. 

With the help of insurance or financing plans, most people are able to afford the surgery they need. While no surgery is without cost, for people suffering from chronic pain, the benefits of treatment far outweigh the costs; quality of life, overall health, and work productivity are all drastically increased.