Lumbar Surgery: Conditions, Indications, and What to Expect

Lumbar surgery (spinal/back surgery) operates on the lower spine. It is typically considered after conservative treatments (physical therapy, medication, injections) fail to relieve severe pain or neurological symptoms.

Conditions That May Require Lumbar Surgery

1. Lumbar Herniated Disc: Disc material protrudes, pressing on nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back and/or legs.
2. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, and walking difficulty.
3. Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra slips forward over another, causing back pain, leg pain, and nerve damage.
4. Scoliosis: Sideways spinal curvature causing pain, muscle spasms, and nerve issues; severe cases may need surgery to straighten the spine.
5. Degenerative Disc Disease: Disc wear causes back pain and nerve root irritation (pain, numbness, tingling in back and legs).
6. Spinal Infections: Osteomyelitis or discitis may require surgery to remove infection and prevent damage.
7. Spinal Fractures: Trauma, osteoporosis, or tumors can fracture vertebrae; surgery may stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
8. Spinal Tumors: Surgery removes tumors pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
9. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Revision surgery may be needed if previous surgery didn't relieve symptoms or caused new problems.

Surgery decisions should be made with a healthcare professional based on condition severity, overall health, and non-surgical options.