Spine Treatment & Spinal Surgery Complications

We are strong believers that surgery should be left as a last resort. We encourage all of our patients to try other spine treatment methods that allow the body to heal itself as long as there is no danger in waiting. Be aware that extended time in pain without surgery may lead to permanent nerve damage with suboptimal results and chronic pain, numbness or weakness.

Certain symptoms may develop which are considered dangerous and at that time surgery is recommended on an emergency or urgent basis. Such symptoms include: increasing numbness, increasing weakness and bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Alternative spine treatments to try before surgery may include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic
• Electric Stimulation
• Epidural Steroid Injections
• Facet Injections
• Heat
• Ice
• Medications
• Massage Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Shiatsu
• Traction
• Trigger Point Injections
• Ultrasound Therapy

Risks and potential spinal surgery complications from surgery may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Chronic Pain
• Leak of CSF from Dural Tear
• Hardware Failure
• Nerve Injury
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction
• Non-Union of Bone Fusion
• Blindness
• Death
• Anesthesia Complications
• Adverse Drug Reactions
• Need for Revision Surgery
• Failure of Wound to Heal

Please feel free to discuss these risks and potential spinal surgery complications at your scheduled appointment. We will take as much time as you need to review this information completely.