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I had a microdiscectomy six months ago. It was supposed to be a way to solve my back problem with the least disruption to my back and to my wallet. In the end, I had a spinal fusion and the total cost of the whole thing was over $400,000. I definitely vote for health care reform -- the costs are outrageous.
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No one will argue that the costs of health care can exceed even the wildest guess sometimes. A simple discectomy is simple in that a small incision is used but the technology and training that makes that possible is anything but simple.
A new real-time X-ray machine called fluoroscopy is used to guide the surgeon during the procedure. Because only a tiny incision is made, once inside the spine, an operative microscope is used to navigate surgical tools and instruments through the bone to the disc space.
All of this is done in an operating room staffed by nurses, surgical techs, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. Each one of those people expects to get paid for the work they do. The equipment must be paid for and updated often. Medications, surgical supplies, and postoperative care are additional expenses. And that doesn't factor in your missed wages for being off work before, during, and after the procedure.
That's why every effort is made to help patients recover with a conservative plan of care. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are used to reduce inflammation around the nerve root and thereby relieve pain. Physical therapy is important to correct posture(s) that might be contributing to the problem. The therapist will guide the patient in restoring normal movement patterns. Special techniques can be used to release anything keeping the affected nerve(s) from sliding and gliding along as they should.
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