When to Consider Surgery for Back Pain

Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives—and for many, the pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. But sometimes, conservative care just isn’t enough. In these situations, surgery may become the most effective solution for long-term relief and improved quality of life.

At Cuéllar Spine, we understand how complex back pain can be. Dr. Jason M. Cuéllar combines advanced diagnostic tools and decades of clinical expertise to help patients navigate both non-surgical and surgical treatment options with confidence.

 

Understanding Back Pain and Treatment Options

Back pain can stem from a variety of underlying conditions, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis

For many patients, the first step in treatment is conservative care. This often includes:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
• Medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain
• Targeted injections to address nerve irritation and inflammation

These non-surgical strategies can be highly effective—especially when started early and combined with lifestyle modifications.

 

When Non-Surgical Treatments May Not Be Enough

Despite the best efforts with conservative care, some patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms. Surgery may be considered when:

• Persistent, Severe Pain: Pain that interferes with daily activities and sleep, lasting months despite treatment.
• Neurological Symptoms: Progressive numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs due to nerve compression.
• Loss of Function: Difficulty walking, standing, or issues with bladder or bowel control linked to spinal problems.
• Spinal Instability: Conditions like severe degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis where the spine is unstable.
• Spinal Deformities: Significant spinal curvature or structural deformities affecting posture and function.

These scenarios typically point to underlying structural problems that may require surgical correction to restore stability and relieve nerve pressure.

 

Conditions Commonly Requiring Surgical Evaluation

While every patient’s situation is unique, certain conditions more often lead to a discussion about surgery:

• Herniated Disc: Severe nerve compression causing sharp, radiating pain and neurological deficits.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that results in leg pain, weakness, or balance problems.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Advanced stages that lead to spinal instability and chronic pain.
• Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slipping out of place, potentially compressing nerves.
• Scoliosis/Kyphosis: Pronounced spinal curvatures affecting mobility and organ function.

 

Surgical Options Available

At Cuéllar Spine, Dr. Cuéllar offers a range of surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s condition and goals, including:

• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) – smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and quicker recovery.
• Microdiscectomy – targeted removal of herniated disc material to relieve nerve pressure.
• Spinal Fusion – stabilizing the spine by fusing vertebrae together.
• Artificial Disc Replacement – preserving motion by replacing damaged discs with prosthetic implants.
• Laminectomy/Laminotomy – removing part of the bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Spinal Reconstruction Surgery – correcting complex spinal deformities.

Each procedure is chosen based on careful evaluation and discussion of risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.

 

The Importance of Expert Evaluation

Not every patient with back pain needs surgery—but determining who can benefit most requires thorough assessment. Dr. Jason M. Cuéllar brings years of specialized training in complex spine conditions, using advanced imaging and diagnostics to develop precise, individualized treatment plans. His goal is always to help patients return to the activities they love, with as little disruption as possible.

 

Why Choose Cuéllar Spine

At Cuéllar Spine, every patient receives personalized care built around their specific needs and lifestyle. Dr. Jason M. Cuéllar combines expertise in both non-surgical and surgical solutions, ensuring you explore all possible options before considering surgery. Using state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques, our goal is to help you recover faster and achieve better long-term outcomes. Just as important, we place a strong emphasis on patient education—so you feel informed, supported, and confident in every decision about your spine health.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If back pain is disrupting your life and you’re unsure of your next step, let Dr. Cuéllar help. Schedule a consultation with Cuéllar Spine today to discuss your symptoms and explore the most effective treatment options.

Call us or book an appointment online—your path to relief could start here.