Now hiring Registered Nurses and Certified Surgical Technologists

Apply Now

USMD Hospital at Arlington receives Excellence in Prostate Cancer Surgery recognition

Research

Can Neurosurgery Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain?

By: USMD Team

8/2/2024

Back pain is a common problem, but it can prevent you from performing even the simplest tasks. While some people find relief through conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, and injections, others require surgery to address the root of the problem. Our professionals at USMD Hospital at Arlington may recommend neurosurgery as an option for patients with chronic back pain.

Neurosurgery can benefit those suffering from chronic back pain from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis. View our physician directory to connect with a neurosurgeon in the DFW area. Our Arlington, TX team specializes in minimally invasive procedures so you can get back to your daily routine as soon as possible.

What causes chronic back pain?

You may have experienced back pain at some point, but what causes it to become chronic? Chronic back pain is persistent pain that lasts for 12 weeks or more. Some of the most common causes of chronic back pain include:

  • Disc degeneration: As we get older, our spinal discs lose their natural cushioning, causing them to wear down and bulge outward.
  • Herniated disc: When a disc ruptures, the inner gel-like material can leak out and put pressure on nearby nerves.
  • Spinal stenosis: This issue is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal.
  • Osteoporosis: As we age, our bones become weaker and more prone to fractures. In the spine, this can lead to compression fractures.

Why conservative treatments may not be enough

While conservative options like physical therapy, medication, and injections provide temporary relief for back pain, they may not be the best possible solutions. Some patients do not respond well to these treatments or may find that their pain returns after a short period of time. In these cases, neurosurgery may be recommended.

What is neurosurgery, and how can it help?

Neurosurgery is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that impact the nervous system, such as the spine. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, our skilled team of neurosurgeons uses advanced techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures that effectively treat chronic back pain.

Why choose minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive neurosurgery offers a number of benefits for patients all across North Texas, including:

  • Smaller incisions: Minimally invasive procedures require smaller incisions, resulting in a shorter time in recovery.
  • Less tissue damage: With smaller incisions, there is less disruption to the muscles and tissues, leading to less pain and discomfort post-surgery.
  • Quicker return to daily activities: Because there is less tissue damage and a relatively short recovery time, patients can get back to their usual activities even sooner.
  • Lower risk of complications: The precision and advanced technology used in minimally invasive neurosurgery results in a lower risk of complications compared to invasive surgery.

Address chronic back pain

Our neurosurgeons at USMD Hospital at Arlington are dedicated to finding the best treatment plan possible for each patient. If you are experiencing chronic back pain and would like to explore the option of neurosurgery in Arlington, TX, visit our physician directory to find a trusted specialist in your area. We are committed to helping you find relief so you can get back to living your life comfortably and without limitations.

USMD Hospital at Arlington is a joint venture with Texas Health Resources and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital. Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. A list of physician owners is available upon request.