Around 65% to 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lifetime. When pain clouds your quality of life, doctors might recommend non-surgical treatments.
However, back pain can be too intense at times for conservative treatment methods to work. In this case, you might opt for spinal surgery.
However, not all candidates are ideal for spinal surgery. To qualify for back surgery, an age limit for spinal surgery must be considered aside from assessing one’s overall health.
Keep reading to learn all about spinal surgery and age qualifications.
Age Limit for Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery can be a viable option for treating a range of back problems in both young and old patients. With the right prerequisite knowledge and evaluation, all ages – from teenagers to late seniors in their 80s – can be good candidates depending on their health and condition. However, some doctors won’t recommend their patients undergo spine surgery if they are already 65 years or older.
Good Candidates for Back Surgery
The suitability for back surgery varies depending on the specific spinal condition and the patient’s overall health. Generally, good candidates for back surgery include:
Considering Specific Spinal Conditions
Back surgeries involve spinal manipulation and instruments. This of which may not be suitable for young people. It is also important to note that the patient should be in relatively good physical health with no underlying medical issues that could affect the success of the surgery.
Generally, patients should be over the age of 18 and in relatively good hands and arms strength to support a stable healing period. If a patient is younger, more evaluation and review should be done. This helps to assess the risk and benefits of the surgery.
Considering Severe Pain or Disability
Surgery should only be recommended if conservatory treatments, such as physical therapy, have failed to provide relief. Additionally, individuals who suffer from chronic back pain that interferes with their quality of life and introduces safety risks can be considered for surgery.
Generally, the ideal age to consider back surgery begins at age 65, though anyone younger can be assessed. In circumstances where individuals of all ages present with severe, debilitating back pain due to injury or an underlying medical condition, back surgery can be recommended to improve the quality of life and restore function to the spine.
Considering Conservative Treatment Failure
Good candidates for back surgery considering age as well as conservative treatment failure usually come with a certain set of criteria. First, they must be older than 18 years old, and have a diagnosis that indicates the need for surgery.
This diagnosis could include:
- degenerative disc disease
- spinal stenosis
- vertebral fractures
- sciatica
Additionally, the person should have tried more conservative treatment methods without success, such as:
- physical therapy
- pain medications
- chiropractic treatment
- rest
Ultimately, a doctor should discuss the risks and how back surgery could benefit their life before determining if they’re a good candidate for spine surgery. However, in the event of a Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, one must be aware of some steps to take in seeking alternative recovery and relief, such as through chiropractors.
Understanding An Age Limit for Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery is an effective option for reducing symptoms of back pain. However, there is no concrete age limit for spinal surgery. A variety of factors should be considered by a doctor before surgery is recommended.
If you are considering surgery for back pain, it is important to consult with your doctor to learn more about your options.
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