For years, people have been told to avoid spine surgery at all costs. According to OrthoIndy Spine Surgeon M. Craig McMains, MD, FAAOS, this fear is rooted in outdated information.
“There’s a misconception that people should never have spine surgery because it’s horrible or debilitating,” Dr. McMains said. “Historically, we made big incisions, but today we use ultra minimally invasive techniquesto preserve normal anatomy whenever we can.”
Dr. McMains shares the outdated beliefs he hears from patients and explains how modern techniques have changed spine surgery.
Myth: All spine surgeries are huge operations
Dr. McMains says advances over the past 20 years have changed how surgeons approach the spine, allowing smaller incisions and less disruption of muscles and tissue. Many patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
Myth: A spinal fusion means you won’t move again
“That’s not true,” Dr. McMains said. “We’ve done fusions on athletes who returned to play professional sports,” he said. “And Tiger Woods had a fusion and won the Masters.” Large, multi-level fusions may limit motion, but most single-level fusions allow people to return to work, family life and many recreational activities, with some returning to competitive sports.
Myth: Talking to a spine surgeon means you’ll end up in surgery
“You shouldn’t be scared to speak with a spine surgeon,” he said. “We only recommend surgery when it’s the right patient, the right problem and the right procedure.”
At OrthoIndy, spine specialists take a conservative, non-operative approach whenever possible – recognizing that surgery is just one of many options. Most patients start with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication or injections.
“The goal is always to restore function and relieve pain in the least invasive way possible,” McMains said.
If you’ve been hesitant to seek help because of surgical fears, a consultation can provide clarity. Modern spine care at OrthoIndy focuses on individualized treatment, whether that means conservative management or the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures. To learn more and make an appointment, call OrthoIndy at 317.802.000.
