5 Warning Signs You Might Need Spine Surgery
Back and neck pain are incredibly common, but not everyone needs surgery. In fact, most people get better with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. However, there are certain warning signs that indicate it may be time to consider spine surgery.
Here are five red flags that suggest you should talk to a spine surgeon:
1. Chronic Pain That Doesn’t Improve With Conservative Care
If you’ve tried physical therapy, injections, and medications for several months without relief, it may be time to explore surgical options. This can be neck pain, back pain, arm pain, leg pain (e.g., sciatica), or arm / leg numbness/tingling.
2. Weakness in the Arms or Legs
Weakness in your extremities can indicate nerve compression from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Left untreated, nerve damage can become permanent. You may notice weakness in a certain muscle group in your arm or leg. Sometimes weakness in the foot is called “foot drop.”
In some cases, these symptoms may be a sign of myelopathy, a condition where the spinal cord itself is compressed. Myelopathy symptoms can include:
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Trouble using your hands (e.g., buttoning a shirt, putting on jewelry)
Weakness in the hands (e.g., difficulty opening jars)
Worsening leg stiffness or weakness
If you suspect myelopathy, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent further spinal cord damage.
There is a blog post dedicated to myelopathy if you would like to learn more.
3. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
This may be a medical emergency known as cauda equina syndrome. It may cause either incontinence or the inability to urinate (urinary retention), and may require immediate spinal decompression surgery to prevent permanent damage. Usually this is accompanied by back pain, leg pain (sciatica or radiculopathy), or leg/foot weakness.
In addition, cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy can also lead to bladder or bowel dysfunction, particularly in the form of urinary urgency or incontinence. These symptoms should never be ignored and warrant prompt evaluation.
If you experience any of these signs, seek emergency care or consult a spine specialist right away.
4. Difficulty Standing or Walking
If your mobility is severely affected and you can’t stand or walk without pain or instability, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. If you have to keep sitting down or leaning over to improve your pain, this may be neurogenic claudication due to spinal stenosis.
There is a blog post dedicated to neurogenic claudication if you would like to learn more.
5. Structural Changes in Your Spine
Visible curvature (like scoliosis) or instability in your spine can lead to worsening pain and function. In these cases, surgical correction may be the best long-term solution.
Additionally, if you notice you're beginning to tilt forward or sideways while walking or standing, it may be a sign of spinal deformity or scoliosis. These structural changes can worsen over time and often require surgical correction.
Final Thoughts
Spine surgery is never the first option, but sometimes it’s the right one. If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, consult a qualified spine surgeon for an evaluation.
Our clinics in Naples and Fort Myers specialize in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a trusted spine specialist near you.
Naples Office: (239) 649-1662
Fort Myers Office: (239) 437-1121
or click the “Contact” tab above to get scheduled.
