Common Myths About Spine Surgery: What Patients Should Know

By Dr. Atul Sharma — Neuro, Brain & Spine Specialist, Jalandhar

🌟 Introduction

When it comes to spine surgery, most patients feel anxious — and that’s completely natural. You might have heard statements like “spine surgery causes paralysis” or “once operated, you can’t live a normal life.”

These are some of the most common myths that prevent patients from getting the right treatment at the right time. In this article, Dr. Atul Sharma, a leading Neuro, Brain & Spine Specialist in Jalandhar, clears the confusion and explains what’s true and what’s not.

❌ Myth 1: “Spine surgery always leads to paralysis.”

✅ Fact:

This is one of the biggest fears — but completely **false in modern practice**. With today’s microscopic and endoscopic spine surgeries, surgeons operate with high-definition visualization and real-time precision, keeping nerves completely safe. Complications like paralysis are extremely rare, especially when performed by a trained spine specialist using advanced technology.

❌ Myth 2: “If I undergo spine surgery, I’ll be bedridden for months.”

✅ Fact:

Not true! Most modern spine surgeries — especially **endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures** — allow patients to walk within 24 hours of the operation. Hospital stay is usually 1–2 days, and most people return to light work within 2–3 weeks. These surgeries are designed for faster recovery and minimal tissue damage.

❌ Myth 3: “All spine problems need surgery.”

✅ Fact:

More than **80–90% of spine problems improve with medication, physiotherapy**, posture correction, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only advised when conservative treatment fails or there’s nerve compression causing leg pain, numbness, or weakness. A good spine specialist always tries to avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary.

❌ Myth 4: “Spine surgery means a big scar and long pain.”

✅ Fact:

That was true decades ago — not anymore. With endoscopic spine surgery, only a **small keyhole incision** (about 8–10 mm) is made. There’s minimal pain, almost no blood loss, and a tiny or no visible scar. It’s now one of the safest and least invasive surgical techniques in modern neurosurgery.

❌ Myth 5: “After spine surgery, pain will come back.”

✅ Fact:

The goal of spine surgery is to remove the exact cause of pain — such as a slipped disc pressing on a nerve. If done correctly, and if patients follow proper posture and rehabilitation exercises, **recurrence is rare**. At Dr. Sharma’s center, patients receive a personalized recovery plan to strengthen their back and prevent future issues.

🧠 Modern Spine Surgery: Safe, Precise & Personalized

Dr. Atul Sharma uses advanced microscopic, endoscopic, and navigation-assisted spine surgery techniques to ensure:

  • High precision and safety
  • Minimal pain and scarring
  • Faster discharge and early mobility
  • Long-lasting results

These advancements have made spine surgery as safe as any other routine procedure — when performed by an expert.

📞 Consult a Trusted Spine Specialist in Jalandhar

If back or neck pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t let myths stop you from getting the right care. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent long-term nerve damage and disability.

Consult Dr. Atul Sharma, leading Neuro, Brain & Spine Specialist in Jalandhar, for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and honest advice.