Have you had spinal surgery since you were 65: yes or no?

Beginning at age 65, a high percentage of people experience diseases associated with spinal wearwith the most common symptoms being disc degeneration and chronic pain. In response to this growing problem, spine surgery specialist Dr. Francisco VillarejoHead of the Neurosurgery Service at the University Hospital of La Luz, has developed a comprehensive and advanced surgical approach to treat these pathologies and improve the quality of life of patients in the third and fourth ages.

Spinal surgery in older people not only helps reduce painbut also allows you to avoid serious complications, such as spinal cord compression, which can affect mobility, motor and sensory control and even compromise the patient’s independence, but requires exceptional precision and experience due to the complexity of the pathologies that occur at this age, such as spondyloarthrosis (wear and tear of articular cartilage). herniated discs, spinal stenosis, as well as compression fractures and other degenerative conditions.

In this sense, Dr. Villarejo emphasizes that, despite how debilitating these problems can be, putting yourself in the hands of professionals is the key to ensuring successful and safe treatment: “Spine surgery in the elderly requires individual approachbecause each patient has a unique health condition, which is often influenced by other factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or osteoporosis,” the doctor warns.

“My goal is to improve my patients’ quality of life by restoring their mobility and ability to be active, which is critical to healthy aging,” he adds.

Diagnostics and individual approach

One of the main advantages of the surgical treatment offered by Dr. Francisco Villarejo is its focus on accurate diagnosisusing the latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray technologies to identify the extent degeneration of discs and joints columns. “These tools allow us to plan operations such as discectomy, laminectomy or spinal fusion with maximum precision, minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring the best results,” explains the neurosurgeon.

For a specialist, it is decisive to carry out accurate diagnosis to determine whether surgery is necessary or whether the problem can be treated conservatively. “Surgeries are indicated primarily when the patient’s quality of life deteriorates, for example, loss of strength, compression of the spinal cord, or severe pain that does not respond to conservative treatment,” he points out.

Villarejo also emphasizes the importance of taking into account other factors that contribute to the deterioration of spinal health in older adults, such as the type of work they have done throughout their lives, genetics and systemic diseases.

Wear and tear on the spine is not only the result of natural aging, but also of repetitive stress, sedentary lifestyle, and pre-existing medical conditions.Dr. Francisco VillarejoHead of the Neurosurgical Service at the University Hospital of La Luz

“This is why it is important to evaluate the patient holistically, taking into account their entire health history and lifestyle,” he explains.

Likewise, presence of other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and neurological disorders also accelerate spinal degeneration, making it even more important to have a specialized surgeon who can handle these complex cases. “An incorrectly performed intervention can have irreversible consequences for the patient,” says the doctor.

Minimally invasive surgery has proven to be an increasingly effective and safe treatment option for spinal pathologies in older people, allowing patients to lead active and pain-free lives.