Back Surgery

Back surgery is a complex and serious procedure that should only be considered when other treatment options have failed to provide relief. If you are considering back surgery, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Accordingly, the Kopec Law Firm provides this webpage to give you an overview of back surgery, including the types of back problems that can necessitate surgery, the symptoms of these problems, the types of medical providers to see for diagnosis, the tests used for diagnosis, the types of treatments and the medical providers who do them, the types of surgeries and the doctors who do them, how each surgery is performed, the potential risks and complications, and the types of medical malpractice claims. If you have been injured, you may need the Baltimore back surgery lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Back Problems with the Baltimore Back Surgery Lawyer

There are many different types of back problems that can necessitate surgery. Some of the most common generally include:

• Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a disc in the spine bulges out or ruptures, putting pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and also weakness in the back, legs, or arms.
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can then put pressure on the nerves and cause pain, numbness, and weakness.  
• Degenerative disc disease: Degenerative disc disease is a condition that causes the discs in the spine to deteriorate over time. This can then lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to the side. This can then cause pain, difficulty breathing, and heart problems.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward onto the vertebra below it. This can then cause pain, numbness, and weakness.  

Symptoms of Back Problems

The symptoms of back problems vary depending on the underlying condition. However, some common symptoms include:

• Pain in the back, neck, or also legs
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking or also standing
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Medical Providers to See for Diagnosis

If you are experiencing back pain, you should see a doctor to get a diagnosis. The type of doctor you see will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, you may see a primary care physician. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you may need to see a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon.

Tests Used for Diagnosis

There are a number of tests that can be used to diagnose back problems. These tests include:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve conduction studies

Types of Treatments

There are a number of different treatments for back problems. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the underlying condition and the severity of your symptoms. Some common treatments generally include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Injections
• Surgery

The Baltimore back surgery lawyer can advise you on the legal ramifications concerning the treatment you received.

Medical Providers Who Do Treatments

The type of medical provider who performs your treatment will depend on the type of treatment you receive. For example, a physical therapist will perform physical therapy, and a surgeon will perform surgery.

Types of Surgeries

There are a number of different types of back surgeries. The type of surgery you receive will depend on the underlying condition and the severity of your symptoms. Some common types of back surgeries include:

• Discectomy: A discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a herniated disc.
• Laminectomy: A laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of the bone (lamina) that covers the spinal canal. This can relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal fusion: A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join two or more vertebrae together. This can then stabilize the spine and relieve pain.
• Disc replacement: A disc replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged disc with an artificial disc.

The Baltimore back surgery lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm can review your surgery for potential medical malpractice.

Doctors Who Do Surgeries

Back surgeries are typically performed by orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons.

How Surgeries Are Performed

Back surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in your back and then perform the necessary procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision and you will be taken to the recovery room.

Potential Risks and Complications with the Baltimore Back Surgery Lawyer

All surgeries carry risks and complications. Some potential risks and complications of back surgery generally include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Failure to relieve pain

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Back Surgery Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims can arise from a variety of errors made during back surgery. Some common types of medical malpractice claims generally include:

• Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a back problem
• Surgical Error
• Performing the wrong type of surgery
• Performing surgery on the wrong patient
• Performing surgery on the wrong part of the spine
• Failing to obtain informed consent from the patient
• Failing to properly monitor the patient during surgery
• Failing to properly care for the patient after surgery

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Back Surgery Lawyer

If you believe that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, then you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. We can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.