Back pain, neck stiffness, and numbness in the limbs have become common complaints, especially among working professionals and the ageing population in India. Yet, many patients hesitate to consult a specialist because they fear one thing: spine surgery.
Most of this fear comes from things people hear from friends or read online. But how much of it is really true?
We spoke with Dr. Rakesh Dhake, a spine surgeon at Zen spine, who regularly treats patients suffering from chronic spine issues. According to him, the majority of patients walk into his clinic carrying not just pain but a long list of wrong beliefs.
Here are the top 5 myths about spine surgery that are keeping patients from getting the care they need, along with the facts that bust them.
Myth 1: Spine surgery is extremely risky and often leads to paralysis
Let’s start with the most common one. Many people think that one wrong move during surgery and they could be paralysed for life. This belief alone is enough to keep patients suffering silently.
Fact: Modern spine surgery is far more precise and safe today than it was a few decades ago. Studies show that the overall complication rate for elective spine surgeries is below 3%, and the chances of permanent nerve injury are even lower.
With advancements like minimally invasive spine surgery, real-time imaging, and neuromonitoring, surgeons can operate with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk of nerve damage significantly.
At Zen spine, patients are carefully evaluated before surgery is even considered. The focus is always on safety, and procedures are only recommended when clearly necessary.
Myth 2: If you have back pain, surgery is the only solution
Another widespread belief is that once your back pain becomes chronic, surgery is inevitable. This scares patients away from even meeting a spine specialist.
Fact: Over 85% of patients with back or neck pain improve with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, medication, targeted exercises, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is advised only when conservative methods have failed or if there is a structural issue like a slipped disc pressing on a nerve.
Dr. Rakesh Dhake, spine surgeon at Zen spine, explains that he often treats patients who recover fully without needing surgery at all. The key lies in timely diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Ignoring persistent pain only makes it harder to treat later. It’s not about rushing into surgery it’s about knowing your actual condition.
Myth 3: Recovery after spine surgery takes months of bed rest
Many patients assume they’ll be bedridden for weeks or months if they go through surgery. Some even think they’ll need someone’s help for everything.
Fact: This was true for traditional open surgeries. But things have changed. Today, with minimally invasive techniques, most patients are encouraged to walk within 24 hours of surgery and resume basic activities in a week or two.
In fact, studies show that patients undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery recover 30–50% faster than those with open procedures. Smaller incisions, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays mean a quicker return to normal life.
At Zenspine, patient recovery is closely monitored, and physiotherapy is tailored to individual needs so they can regain strength safely and confidently.
Myth 4: Spine surgery is only for elderly patients
Back and neck problems are often associated with ageing. So many younger adults ignore their symptoms, thinking surgery isn’t something they’ll ever need.
Fact: Spine conditions can affect anyone. Herniated discs, spinal instability, and nerve compression are increasingly common among working professionals, especially those who sit for long hours or use poor posture.
Dr. Rakesh Dhake, spine surgeon at Zen spine, often treats patients in their 30s or even late 20s. Left untreated, these issues can progress and affect mobility and quality of life.
Spine surgery isn’t about age it’s about the condition. Anyone with severe symptoms that don’t improve with rest or therapy should get evaluated, regardless of how old they are.
Myth 5: You’ll lose your flexibility or won’t be able to live normally after surgery
This one’s hard to ignore. Many patients believe spine surgery means they’ll never be able to bend, lift, or even walk normally again.
Fact: The goal of spine surgery is exactly the opposite to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve daily function. Most patients not only return to normal life but actually move better than they did before surgery.
Success rates for common procedures like microdiscectomy or decompression are as high as 90–95% when done at the right time by an experienced surgeon.
Patients at Zen spine are guided through a post-surgical rehab plan that helps them regain flexibility, build strength, and return to daily life with better posture and confidence.
When Is Spine Surgery Actually Needed?
Spine surgery is not a quick fix, and it’s never the first step. It becomes necessary when:
- There’s nerve compression causing numbness or weakness
- Severe disc herniation is not improving with rest or therapy
- Spinal stenosis is affecting your ability to walk or stand
- You have spinal instability or deformity (like scoliosis)
- There’s a risk of long-term nerve damage
If any of these conditions are present, delaying surgery can do more harm than good.
Why Spine Surgery Today is Safer, Faster, and More Effective
Thanks to technology and better training, spine surgery is no longer what it used to be:
- Smaller cuts mean less damage to muscle and tissue
- Less pain and blood loss during the procedure
- Shorter hospital stays, often just 1–2 days
- Lower chances of infection or complications
- Faster return to work and daily life
Most importantly, experienced specialists like Dr. Rakesh Dhake, a spine surgeon at Zen spine, take a conservative and honest approach, only advising surgery when it’s truly needed.
FAQs
Q1. Is spine surgery painful?
Answer: With modern anaesthesia and minimally invasive techniques, patients feel minimal pain. Most discomfort can be managed with basic pain relief after surgery.
Q2. Will I need surgery for back pain that’s lasted over 6 months?
Answer: Not always. Long-term back pain can often be treated without surgery. But if conservative methods fail, a surgical opinion is worth considering.
Q3. Can I walk after spine surgery?
Answer: Yes. In most cases, walking is encouraged within 24 hours. Early movement supports faster recovery and reduces complications.
Q4. Are there risks in spine surgery?
Answer: Every surgery carries some risk, but serious complications are rare, especially when performed by experienced surgeons using modern techniques.
Q5. How long will it take me to recover fully?
Answer: Recovery time varies. Minimally invasive procedures may take 2–6 weeks. More complex surgeries may take longer but come with a detailed rehab plan.
Conclusion
If you’ve been suffering from back or neck pain and avoiding medical care because of what you’ve heard about spine surgery, it’s time to separate facts from fiction.
Spine surgery is a solution for your problems when used at the right time, for the right reason, by the right hands. Don’t let myths keep you in pain.
Book a consultation with Dr. Rakesh Dhake at Zen spine and get an expert opinion. Whether you need surgery or not, the first step is understanding your condition and your options.
A pain-free life might be just one conversation away.
