The Pros And Cons of Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis can be a frustrating condition that causes a great deal of pain and discomfort. Doctors work to present as many quality solutions for scoliosis as possible to help ease patients’ pain. One way to treat scoliosis is through surgery which corrects the position of the spine and lessens pain in the future. 

This surgery can have major risks though, and considering scoliosis surgery is a huge decision, it is good to have the information you need to make the best choice for you. This article will outline the pros and cons of this surgery, so you are aware of the benefits and risks involved. 

Reasons For Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. It is most frequently diagnosed in adolescents but can be found in people of all ages. Any spine curvature of more than 10 degrees is considered to be scoliosis. 

This condition can cause pain and stiffness in the back, fatigue and muscle strain, and pain or numbness in the legs from pinched nerves. Some people may also have outward signs of scoliosis, such as one shoulder blade appearing larger than the other, hips that don’t appear even, or ribs that extend out farther on one side. 

People typically consider scoliosis surgery to deal with extreme pain or because they want their spine to look normal. Sometimes surgery is also recommended early on if a child is born with a life-threatening spinal curve. 

Risks

Spinal surgery is a major operation that comes with many risks. While there is a risk of complications with any major surgery, spinal surgery is particularly tricky because the spine contains the spinal cord, which relays signals from the brain throughout your body. While complications are not common, they could potentially result in loss of mobility or neurological damage. 

Any surgery as large as spinal surgery can take up to a year to recover from, and while it may reduce pain, most people who undergo surgery for scoliosis will still experience some pain afterwards. There is no guarantee that surgery will reduce pain, and some people may continue to experience chronic pain after surgery or need additional operations to deal with post-surgery complications. 

Furthermore, as with any surgical procedure, there is the possibility that the surgery may not be effective. Surgery could also result in infections or blood clots that lead to further problems.

Benefits

However, scoliosis surgery can be very beneficial. It can reduce the severity of a scoliosis spine curve and lessen pain. People who undergo surgery also experience increased mobility in some cases. Additionally, some people report increased confidence and an improved self-image after surgery as their scoliosis condition is less noticeable.

When is Surgery Recommended?

Since this surgery has some serious potential risks, it is only recommended in extreme cases. If spine curvature is severe enough that it may cause damage to the heart or lungs, doctors may recommend surgery to prevent the condition from becoming life-threatening. 

Other extreme cases that may benefit from surgery are those where scoliosis pain and discomfort prevent a person from participating in everyday activities. If severe pain keeps you from living a normal lifestyle, it may be worth considering surgery. 

Consult A Specialist

We suggest that you consult a specialist if you’re considering this surgery to discuss all the options available before making a decision.  

The experienced and compassionate staff at Vejthani Hospital can work with you to make the best decision for your situation. Our specialists ensure that our patients fully understand their unique medical situation and are involved in any discussions about their care. 

If you decide to go through with scoliosis surgery, you will be in good hands with our excellent surgical team. Contact Vejthani Hospital today to learn more about how we can help you make the right decision to manage pain arise from scoliosis.