Risks and Benefits of Back Surgery from an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Craig Callewart, a orthopedic spine surgeon, has three office locations in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX, where he consults patients regarding spine surgery.

You should never take spine surgery lightly. Make your appointment with our doctor or his excellent PA for a consultation. We will answer all your questions about the risks and benefits of spine surgery. Know your risks before saying yes to spine surgery.

Not all spine surgical procedures are the same. The procedure depends on the diagnosis. During your consultation, you should understand this surgery's possible risks and benefits. Our goal at Craig C. Callewart, MD, PA is for you to make an informed decision.

The Benefits and Risks of Spine Surgery

Our orthopedic spine surgeon, with offices in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX, would agree that there is a long list of reasons you may need spine surgery. Each diagnosis has its specific procedure, risks, benefits, and prognosis for a successful outcome.

Deciding to have spine surgery means that your doctor has tried different, less invasive treatments without success.

Benefits of Spine  Surgery

• Eases back pain
• Strengthens the back
• Improves mobility, flexibility
• Improves physical fitness
• Improves mood due to decreased pain
• Decreases pain medication need
• Enhances ability to hold down a job consistently
• More productive at home, work, and play

Of course, there are risks to any surgery, including spine surgery. With your help, your doctor can do all he can to prevent complications. The plus side is that most patients who undergo back surgery have little to no complications. However, the risks remain and are dealt with if they surface.

Risks of Spine Surgery

• Reaction to medication, anesthesia, and other drugs
• Excessive bleeding
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Infection
• Blood clots in legs or lungs
• Herniated disk
• Nerve damage causing bowel/bladder incontinence, weakness, paralysis, pain, and sexual dysfunction

Although the risks are low, they remain real for people with specific conditions. Risks vary according to the type of spine surgery, such as seen in a spinal fusion or a laminectomy.

Our surgeon and his PA discuss your unique situation and possible complications in depth, precisely your unique complications. As we explained, we can't avoid complications other than taking every precaution, because everyone's body reacts differently to surgical procedures, medications, and anesthesia, and healing times and risks vary.

Is Spine Surgery in Your Future? Call Us Today for a Consultation!

Call one of Dr. Callewart's office locations at 214-271-4585 in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX, to schedule your spine surgery consultation with our orthopedic spine surgeon. We at Craig C. Callewart, MD, PA are eager to meet with you and put your mind at peace, knowing we have your back in the best possible way.