Spine surgery is often reserved for injuries or conditions that cannot be managed with conservative nonsurgical treatments, such as medication and physical therapy. For instance, only a minority of patients with low back pain will require surgery.

Most surgeries are successful and achieve the following therapeutic goals:

• Restoration of normal spine alignment
  
  
• Removal of overgrown, diseased or damaged areas (e.g., discs, joints, nerves)
  
  
• Protection from potentially serious injury (e.g., fractures)

• Relief of pain, weakness, numbness or tingling from compressed nerves
  
  
• Spinal stabilization

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Spinal surgery involves proximity to the spinal cord and most of the nervous system, which transmit messages throughout the body. Surgery in this area may include risks in addition to those normally associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these potential risks include:

• Failure of surgery. In some cases, spine surgery may not be effective at correcting a condition or reducing pain. Some patients experience temporary pain relief, with eventual recurrence of symptoms. Some procedures may not heal properly (e.g., fusions, implants, fracture repair). Rarely, pain may increase after the surgery.
  
  
• Anesthesia. Drug or agent used to eliminate pain and sensation. Problems can arise in reaction to the anesthesia, other drugs being used or other medical conditions the patient may have. Patients are encouraged to consult their physician about possible anesthesia complications prior to spine surgery.
  
  
• Bleeding. Unexpected bleeding may occur during spine surgery. Large blood vessels may be temporarily moved during surgery to help prevent damage.
  
  
• Blood clots. The risk of developing some blood clots may increase after spine surgery. In serious cases, blood clots may travel to the lungs, where they can block oxygen supply, or to the brain and cause a stroke. Physicians may administer anticoagulants (medications that reduce the ability of blood to clot) to reduce this risk. They may prescribe walking or other activity after surgery to help prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.
  
  
• Dural tear. A small sac of tissue (dura mater) covers the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. During spine surgery, a tear of this sac may occur. It is usually repaired during surgery, but an unrecognized tear may not heal properly, increasing the risk for conditions such as meningitis. Additional surgery may be necessary to repair a tear that does not heal naturally.
  
  
• Lung function. Lungs that function improperly following surgery may cause conditions such as pneumonia. Patients may be advised to take preventive measures that keep the lungs working properly, such as taking deep breaths and sitting upright.
  
  
• Infection. Spine surgery carries a risk of infection, though this complication is rare. An infection may be treated methods including antibiotics or additional surgery depending on its severity.
  
  
• Spine or nerve damage. The spinal cord or connecting nerves may be injured during spine surgery, although this rarely occurs. Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding nerves may cause a wide variety of serious problems including sexual dysfunction or paralysis.