Does upper back pain require surgery?

In treating upper back pain, surgery is generally a “last resort” option. If you try several months of non-surgical treatment options, such as physical therapy and medications, and you’re still in pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. Rest assured: only 5% of people end up needing surgery to treat back problems.

How long is recovery from upper back surgery?

It takes at least 3 to 4 months after surgery for bones to heal well, and healing may continue for at least a year. If you had spinal fusion, you will probably be off work for 4 to 6 weeks if you are young and healthy and your job is not very strenuous.

What type of back pain requires surgery?

Reasons You May Need Back Surgery Bone spurs in your spine (these are often caused by arthritis) that are putting pressure on your spinal cord. A degenerative spinal condition like stenosis (narrowing of the protective bony canal around the spinal cord) that’s causing side effects, like weakness.

What is upper back surgery called?

Cervical laminectomy—A surgical procedure to remove the lamina (the bone in the back of the spine) in the neck or upper back; this relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

When is upper back pain serious?

See a doctor if the upper back pain is: Sharp, rather than dull: Could be a sign of a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side. Radiating to the buttocks or legs: may be a sign of nerve compression or damage.

Which doctor can treat upper back pain?

Start with someone who specializes in nonsurgical treatment for back pain. This can include a physiatrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopaedic physician assistant. They can evaluate your condition and offer appropriate treatment to help alleviate your pain.

Is back surgery painful?

After surgery, pain is no longer achy and arthritic but stems from wound healing, swelling and inflammation. You will experience some pain outside of the hospital. For most back surgeries, it will take 1-1.5 months to resume “normal” mobility and function. During this time, pain should be tolerable and controlled.

Is back surgery safe?

What are the risks of back surgery? Back surgery can carry higher risks than some other types of surgery because it is done closer to the nervous system. The most serious of these risks include paralysis and infections. Even with a successful surgery, the recovery time can be long.

What is the reason for upper back pain?

Upper back pain is usually caused by soft tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains, or muscle tension caused by poor posture or looking downward for long periods. Poor posture and text neck can combine to wreck your upper back. Common behaviors and activities that can cause upper back pain include: Poor posture.

What is upper back surgery for upper back pain?

Surgery for Upper Back Pain. Laminectomy: At the back of each vertebra, you have a bony plate that protects your spinal canal and spinal cord; it’s called the lamina. It may be pressing on your spinal cord, so the surgeon may make more room for the cord by removing all or part of the lamina.

What is the upper back area?

The upper back area includes the shoulder blades and where the rib cage connects to the thoracic (chest region) spine. The upper back is also referred to as the middle back or the thoracic spine. Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. However, pain in the upper back is not as common as lower back pain.

What does it mean when your upper back hurts?

Upper back pain can also be due to more serious conditions, such as fibromyalgia, spondylitis (a type of arthritis of the spine), or disc herniation. A bulging disc can put pressure on the nerve roots coming out from the spine, resulting in upper back pain.

What is decompression surgery for back pain?

Usually, surgeries for upper back pain involved removing what’s causing pain and then fusing the spine to control movement. When the surgeon removes tissue that’s pressing on a nerve, it’s called a decompression surgery.