What is Bone Spur Surgery?
Bone spur surgery may sound alarming if you are not familiar with the process. In fact, many people believe bone spur surgery is more complicated than what can actually be involved with the procedure. By researching what you can expect from this type of surgery and reading the information in the following article, you can feel confident about the decision you have made for the next step in your bone spur treatment.
Bone Spur Treatments
Before surgery is recommended, a patient usually has to go through a course of conservative treatment in an attempt to find pain relief. For many patients, these nonsurgical therapies are effective at relieving the pain and symptoms caused by a bone spur and there is no need for surgery.
Some of the common methods of conservative treatment used to treat a bone spur include:
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Chiropractic care
- Low-impact exercises
- Weight management
- Hot and cold compresses
- Corticosteroid injections
Typically, these treatments provide significant pain reduction within several weeks or months. However, we may recommend surgery if you continue to suffer from chronic pain after trying conservative treatment.
There are two main types of bone spur surgery — traditional open back surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Your doctor can explain to you the potential risks and benefits of both options so you can make an informed decision about your spine care needs.
Traditional Bone Spur Surgery
Patients who choose a traditional open spine method for bone spur surgery may face a two- to five-day hospital stay as well as an increased risk of infection compared to minimally invasive spine surgery. Traditional surgery begins with a large incision between 6 to 8 inches in the neck or back, often cutting and sometimes altogether detaching the large muscles surrounding the spine.
Once the spine is reached, the bone spur is removed in order to decompress the pinched nerve and the incision is closed. This highly invasive approach to the spine can increase a patient’s risk for complications, such as excessive blood loss and potential nerve damage, which can lead to failed back surgery syndrome.
BEST Health System’s Approach
BEST Health System offers an alternative to traditional open back surgery. As opposed to large incisions, BEST uses a less than one-inch incision to perform the operations. This allows patients to return home the same day and have a lower risk of infection.
Step into the future with BEST. We use modern technology to allow for a much smaller incision. We strive to help patients find the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
