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Even with significant advances in medical technology and techniques that make back surgery more viable than ever, it’s not always your best treatment option. Our spine specialists explain why and when to seek a second opinion.
The specialists at Spine Center Atlanta, with seven locations in Georgia, explain why you owe it to yourself to seek a second opinion regarding back surgery and why not all spine surgeries are equal when it comes to restoring pain-free mobility.
Why is a second opinion about back surgery important?
Second opinions regarding back or neck surgery are common and offer a variety of benefits for the patient. You may, for instance, learn that your Spine Center Atlanta provider agrees that surgery is your best treatment option. This news can supply an extra measure of confidence as you proceed with your surgical course.
However, it’s also true that most back and neck pain responds well to nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modifications, or medication to relieve inflammation and pain. If you haven’t tried these conservative measures, your consulting specialist may recommend nonsurgical interventions to improve your symptoms. These treatments may provide long-term pain relief and allow you to delay or avoid surgery altogether.
Conversely, you may have been advised that surgery isn’t an option for your chronic back pain. Our specialists at Spine Center Atlanta have extensive expertise in advanced surgical procedures and techniques that offer stellar results for many painful spinal disorders. We also specialize in minimally invasive surgeries that reduce trauma and help speed your recovery.
What can I expect during a second opinion consultation?
At Spine Center Atlanta, your second opinion consultation includes a detailed physical exam, a discussion of your symptoms, and a thorough review of your previous evaluation.
You may also benefit from further diagnostic studies such as an on-site MRI to obtain detailed images of spinal discs, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and muscles affecting your spine health. This information can help identify problems often missed in standard imaging studies and may offer a more effective treatment option than previously considered.
What conditions require back surgery?
If conservative measures fail to relieve your symptoms, your Spine Center Atlanta specialist may recommend surgery for:
- Herniated discs
- Lumbar stenosis
- Spinal tumors
- Nerve impingement
- Spinal fractures
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint syndrome (arthritis)
Whenever possible, your provider performs minimally invasive surgeries that reduce your risk of postsurgical pain and help speed recovery time. Most are outpatient procedures performed at our fully accredited surgery center.
Spine Center Atlanta also has a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center and a team of therapists and pain management specialists who ensure your surgery offers the desired results, as you complete a customized program to restore strength and flexibility as you heal.
Schedule an evaluation at Spine Center Atlanta for more information about a second opinion consultation or other services we offer. Call the nearest office or request more information online.