Continued Pain After Lower Back Surgery

Ospina Medical Delivers Alternatives To Back Surgery

Surgical procedures for back pain are often associated with mixed outcomes. Many people are familiar with someone who has experienced complications or limited relief after spine surgery. For instance, procedures involving disc removal can weaken the disc structure and increase the risk of re-herniation. In spinal fusion procedures, where segments of the spine are permanently joined, the added stress on adjacent areas can lead to a condition known as adjacent segment disease.

What may be surprising is that some studies suggest these surgeries may be no more effective than sham procedures, despite the very real risks. For example, complications occur in approximately 25% of spinal fusion cases. One study found that 76% of patients who underwent fusion surgery continued to rely on narcotic medications and missed significantly more work than those who did not have surgery. The increased stress placed on nearby spinal segments may also lead to a cycle of additional surgeries over time.

At Ospina Medical, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network offer a targeted, image-guided approach, injecting your body’s healing cells or growth factors using Regenexx lab processing. These procedures are designed to address the spine as a whole. For example, in cases of unresolved symptoms after prior disc surgery, image-guided injections may be directed toward areas of nerve irritation. For those with spinal fusion, the focus may be on reducing pain and improving function. This less invasive approach often results in reduced downtime and less dependence on opioid medications.