Frequently Asked Questions

Our team of expert surgeons is here to help you achieve a full, pain-free life. Premier Brain & Spine is a state-of-the-art clinic that uses advanced technologies and offers various treatment options for spine, neurologic, and orthopedic conditions. Discover answers to frequently asked questions.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain can happen for a lot of reasons. For some people, it starts after a specific injury like a fall or accident. Others develop pain over time from poor posture, repetitive strain, or conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. Sometimes it’s something simple, like sleeping in a bad position, and other times, it points to a more serious underlying issue. That’s why it’s important to get checked out if it doesn’t go away.

What Are Risk Factors for Back Pain?

Certain things can make you more likely to deal with back pain. These include age, a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, and having a job that requires heavy lifting or sitting for long periods. Smoking, stress, and poor posture can also play a role. If back pain runs in your family or you’ve had previous spine problems, you may be at higher risk too.

Does My Back Pain Need Immediate Medical Attention?

If your back pain is mild and goes away after a few days, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

But if you notice any of the following, don’t wait—get medical attention right away:

• Numbness or tingling in your legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain after a serious fall or accident
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Pain that gets worse instead of better

These could be signs of a more serious problem that needs quick care.

When Should I See a Spine Surgeon?

Most back pain can be managed without surgery. But if you’ve tried physical therapy, medications, or injections and nothing has helped, it might be time to see a spine specialist. You should also consider seeing a surgeon if you’re dealing with severe nerve pain, spinal instability, or trouble walking due to back issues. A consultation doesn’t mean you’ll need surgery—it just means you’re exploring all your options.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

You might be a good candidate if you:

• Have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or similar condition
• Haven’t responded well to non-surgical treatments
• Are in generally good health
• Want to avoid a long recovery

Minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions, which often means less pain and a quicker return to your normal routine.

How Successful Are Spine Surgeries?

While success rates vary depending on the condition and the procedure, many spine surgeries have strong outcomes. For example, spinal decompression and fusion procedures have reported success rates of 70–90% when performed for the right reasons. Choosing the right surgeon, following pre- and post-op instructions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all help improve the chances of a good result.

Can a Failed Back Surgery Be Corrected?

Yes, in many cases it can. If you’re still in pain after a prior spine surgery, you might benefit from what’s called revision surgery. At Premier Spine & Pain, we offer advanced options for correcting failed surgeries, whether it’s due to hardware issues, incomplete healing, or a misdiagnosis. Our team will do a full evaluation to figure out what went wrong and what can be done to fix it. Learn more about revision surgery.

How Long Is Recovery After Spine Surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your overall health. Some people return to light activity in just a few weeks, while others need several months to heal fully. If you have minimally invasive surgery, recovery is often faster. You’ll work with our team to build a recovery plan that includes physical therapy, follow-ups, and guidance every step of the way.

What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?

To help us make the most of your visit, please bring:
A photo ID

• Your insurance card
• A list of any medications you’re taking
• Recent imaging (like MRIs or X-rays), if available
• Any referral paperwork, if needed
• Also, jot down your questions so we can make sure we cover everything important to you.

What If You Don’t Take My Insurance?

We accept many major insurance plans, but if yours isn’t one of them, we’ll talk you through other options. Some patients choose to self-pay, and we’ll let you know up front what the costs are. We also offer help with paperwork if you plan to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. See our insurance page to learn more.

What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is a surgery where two or more bones in your spine are permanently joined together. This can help stop painful movement between vertebrae and stabilize your spine. It’s often used for conditions like scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal fractures. At Premier Spine & Pain, we use minimally invasive techniques when possible to reduce recovery time and post-op discomfort. Learn more about spinal fusion.