How Much Do Different Types of Back Surgeries Cost?

In the U.S., back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care.¹ While back surgery is sometimes necessary, many medical professionals will first recommend other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, heat or ice and even physical therapy.² If these treatments are not effective and/or you are in serious pain from a musculoskeletal injury or nerve compression, your doctor may recommend back surgery.³

Who Can Benefit From Back Surgery?

People with one of the following conditions may be a good candidate for surgery if other treatments haven't helped:³

• Herniated or ruptured disc(s): This happens when one or more of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine are damaged.
• Spinal stenosis: This narrowing of the spinal column puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis: This happens when one or more bones in the spine have slipped out of place.
• Degenerative disc disease: This is damage to the spinal discs and is common in older people.
• Cauda equine syndrome: Though rare, this kind of back pain is caused by a tumor, infection or nerve root problem.

Types of Back Surgery

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may suggest one of the following types of back surgery:³

• Laminectomy: This is the most common procedure for spinal stenosis. The surgeon removes parts of the bone, bone spurs or ligaments in your back. It is great for relieving pressure and pain.
• Spinal fusion: The surgeon removes the disc between two vertebrae and fuses them together with bone grafts or metal pieces secured by screws. While it helps the back pain, you will likely lose some spine flexibility and may need a lengthy recovery period.
• Discectomy: This procedure involves removing all or part of a disc that has slipped out of place and is putting pressure on a nerve (known as a herniated disc). This procedure requires a large incision. On the other hand, a microdiscectomy involves a smaller incision.⁴
• Foraminotomy: The surgeon cuts away bone on your vertebrae to widen the space where the nerve comes out of your spine, relieving pressure on the nerve.

There is also a procedure called radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, that involves inserting a thin probe into the body and sending radiofrequency waves into the surrounding tissue, killing nearby cells. It's primarily a treatment for thyroid nodules, but has been found to be 70% effective in providing pain relief for a year or more from chronic back pain for qualified patients. In this case, the procedure disables the nerve fibers that carry the pain signal through the spinal cord to the brain.⁵

How Much Does Back Surgery Cost?

The national average cost* of back surgery ranges between $4,310 and $34,956, and depends on the type of surgery, your surgeon and your geographic location. Below are the average costs* of back surgery by type, and do not include post-surgery costs such as equipment, physical therapy or medications.⁶

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of a laminectomy by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Prices do not include post-surgery costs such as equipment, physical therapy or medications.⁶

Benefits and Potential Side Effects

Unfortunately, studies show that 20% to 40% of back surgeries are not successful. (There's even a term for it: “failed back surgery syndrome.") This is, in part, because the procedures take place very close to the nervous system and thus can result in nerve damage.³

In general, back surgery has the typical potential side effects that come with any surgical procedure, such as:⁷

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Blood clots

Depending on the type of surgery, a full recovery can take months. During recovery, you may experience a high level of pain, but your doctor will work with you on a pain management plan.³

That being said, when back surgery is successful, patients can expect:

• Reduced pain
• Return to regular activities
• Improved mood

Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content, and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.