Risks of Back Surgery

Back surgery is a risky surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine. Many seek surgery because the pain has become intolerable and has affected the person's mobility. Also, it is a last resort option after other alternative treatments such as acupuncture, epidural injections and spinal mobility exercises have failed. The surgery may provide alleviation but like any surgery, it also comes with risks.

Spinal Nerve Damage

• Back surgery is performed very closely to the spinal chord, which increases the possibility of nerve damage that results in pain, numbness and at worst, paralysis.

Spinal Fluid Leak

• Spinal fluid leaks may occur if the membrane surrounding the spine is torn. If it is not corrected during or after the surgery, spinal meningitis may occur.

Anesthesia Risk

• Both local and general anesthesias have a certain amount of risks, such as anaphylactic shock (a sensitivity and allergic reaction); lung infection; hypertension and possible death.

Infections

• Infection of the skin or wounds is a risk in any surgery, and bone grafting or the use of hardware, such as in back surgery, also have high risks of infections.

Unsuccessful Operation

• Finally, the surgery may fail entirely and not reduce the initial pain, or the spinal fusion may not bond well, which will later require an additional operation.