If your back hurts, that's completely normal. However, ailments that don't go away after a few days or weeks are a cause for concern. In this article, you will learn what pain is normal and when you should have surgery. First, 4 common signs that are of a more general nature and can of course have different causes. Sometimes these are signs of a problem in the back, so it's definitely worth getting checked out. Further down in the text it gets a little more "technical" and some common direct causes are addressed.

• Back pain that won't go away
  If pain does not subside within a few weeks, back surgery may be necessary. This is especially the case when the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily living.
  
  
• weakness or numbness in the legs
  If you experience weakness or numbness in your legs, it may indicate a herniated disc that needs surgery to fix. These symptoms may indicate lumbar or spinal cord compression and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
  
  
• incontinence
  Incontinence can also be a sign of a more serious problem, especially when combined with other symptoms such as pain or weakness in the legs. Again, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to have the problem clarified.

How to recognize the first signs of a herniated disc

A herniated disc is a condition in which the disc, which acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, protrudes and presses on the spinal cord or nerve roots. A prolapse, as the herniated disc is called in technical jargon, can lead to severe pain and paralysis. Back surgery may be an option for most people with this condition. However, there are some cases where surgery is not necessary. How to recognize the first signs of a bulging disc:

• Lower back or leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• weakness in the legs
• Trouble walking or standing

What alternatives to back surgery are there for severe pain?

There are some alternatives to surgery for back pain. First of all, you should try to get your pain under control with painkillers and/or physical therapy. If that doesn't work, you can also consider an injection into the affected area. This can be either a corticosteroid injection or facet infiltration.
If you have the following symptoms (some of which have already been mentioned above), you should definitely visit your doctor for clarification. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have any of the following conditions

• Strong pain
• numbness or weakness in your legs
• Inability to control your bowel or bladder
• A deformation of the spine
• A condition that causes instability in your spine
• Her pain could not be relieved by previous back surgery

Surgery is usually recommended only as a last resort, after all other therapies and treatment options have been exhausted. Your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits of surgery before recommending it. With such a sensitive topic, a second opinion is not a mistake. Here are some common diagnoses where spine surgery can be very helpful in eliminating pain and restoring mobility.

• Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Surgery can help relieve this pressure.
  
  
• Herniated Disc: This occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae tears or ruptures. The gel inside the disc can then leak out and press on the nerves. Surgery can remove the herniated disc and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  
  
• Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae begin to deteriorate. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas. Surgery can help stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  
  
• Slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis): This is a condition where one of the vertebrae slips out of position and presses on the nerves. Surgery can help stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  
  
• Scoliosis: This is a curvature of the spine to one side. Surgery can help straighten the spine and relieve pain or pressure on the nerves.
  
  
• Kyphosis: This is a curvature of the upper back. Surgery can help straighten the spine and relieve pain or pressure on the nerves.

These are just a few of the reasons why someone may experience significant improvement with back surgery. It is important to find specialists who have the necessary competence and experience in this area. Another decisive criterion can be the recommended surgical procedure.

The specialists at the Apex-Spine spine clinic have specialized in endoscopic, minimally invasive spine surgery because it is currently by far the most gentle procedure, while healing and recovery are quicker at the same time.