Insights To Help Get You Back To Your Life.

About The Author

Share This Post

Ask The Expert: Which Spinal Surgery Could Be Best For Me?

Authored by Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS. January 11, 2017

For the few people who have a spinal problem that require surgery it can be very difficult to make the decision about which surgical option is right for them. There’s always a balance between wanting to find the smallest procedure with the least pain and the fastest return to a normal life, and making sure you have the procedure that’s actually doing enough to fix your problems. For patients who have a relatively straight forward spine issue – a microsurgery or a minimally invasive technique usually is the right option. For these patients most can expect to get back to a normal life very quickly. Unfortunately, there are some spinal problems that are more complex and these surgical techniques are not effective.

The most common mistake I see patients and doctors making is trying to use a little surgery to fix a big problem. The desire to do something small and quick can actually lead people to make the wrong choice and to jeopardize their recovery. It can make it even more difficult to get the problem fixed during the second surgery. For people whose spines have instability, or scoliosis, or spinal curvatures, you have to match the surgery you’re doing to the problem the patient has. It can be hard to come to grips with the fact that you need a bigger surgery, or a slower recovery is needed, but for some patients that is the path that will work the best for them. With spine surgery, it’s critical to get it right the first time.


Dr. Christopher Good is a double board certified spine surgeon and the President of Virginia Spine Institute. Established as a world expert in the field, Dr. Good has pioneered the use of robotics, navigation, and augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery. He performed the first two-level disc replacement in Metro DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, and continues to evolve motion-enhancing procedures for patients suffering from neck and back conditions. Dr. Good has been named “Top Doctor” consistently over the past decade.  Learn more about Dr. Christopher Good.

Schedule Your Consult

Schedule

About The Author

Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS

Share This Post

Other videos on this topic

As Seen On Fox 5’s ‘Good Morning DC’: VSI Patient Shares Why She Made Her Spine Health a Priority

The Today Show Features Patient Who Found Relief to Chronic Pain at Virginia Spine Institute

As Seen On Good Morning Washington: Dr. Haines Discusses Working From Home Tips for Parents and Kids

Common Causes for Neck Pain

Common Reasons to Visit a Spine Surgeon

Dr. Schuler Provides Hope for Those Suffering With Back or Neck Pain.

What is an Annular Tear?

Advances in Motion-Preserving Surgery for Neck Pain and Cervical Spine Conditions

Spine Conditions That Cause Neck Pain

3 Options for Your Artificial Disc Replacement

EMG for Diagnostic Testing

Cortisone Injections for Spinal Conditions

Dr. Schuler Performs First M6-C™ Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement in DC-Metro

Spine Surgeon Dr. Schuler Becomes a Spine Surgery Patient. Follow his journey…

What is an Artificial Disc Replacement?

When Is Spinal Surgery Necessary For Back or Neck Pain?

Learn how we can get you back to the life you love!

Inquire Today