Not every spinal finding automatically means surgery. It is often worthwhile to take a closer look to see if the symptoms really match the MRI – and what options are available before surgery.
"You need surgery."
This sentence takes many people completely by surprise. Often after months of pain, after an MRI, or after several doctor visits. And suddenly you are faced with the question: Surgery yes or no?
Especially with spinal problems, this decision is rarely clear-cut. A finding on the MRI can quickly look dramatic – but does not automatically mean that surgery is really necessary.
Herniated discs, wear and tear, or narrowings in the spinal area are not uncommon. Many of these changes are even present in people without any symptoms. Nevertheless, in some cases surgery is discussed relatively quickly.
The real question, however, is often: Does the finding actually match the symptoms?
And even more important: Are there alternatives to surgery?
A second opinion is not a sign of distrust towards the doctor. It is simply an additional medical assessment – and often a very valuable one.
Because it can help:
avoid unnecessary surgeries
better exploit conservative options
realistically assess risks
gain confidence in the decision
Especially with interventions on the spine, this is crucial. Because not every change in the image has to be operated on.
At TRINICUM in Vienna, Senior Consultant Dr. Erwin Fast specializes exactly in such situations.
He is a specialist in neurosurgery and trauma surgery and brings many years of experience from operative and conservative treatment of spinal diseases.
His focus is clearly on the question:
Is surgery really necessary – or are there better alternatives?
He looks not only at the MRI findings but especially at the person behind them:
What symptoms really exist?
How severe are the limitations in everyday life?
Which therapies have already been tried?
Are there neurological deficits or not?
An important approach in his work is clear: Not every diagnosis requires surgery.
Sometimes physiotherapy, targeted pain therapy, or a combination of several conservative measures is the better way. And sometimes surgery makes sense – but only after careful consideration.
This is exactly where his work as a second opinion doctor comes in: not to decide faster, but to decide better.
The decision for or against surgery remains one of the most difficult of all. A good second opinion can help reduce the pressure and see the situation more clearly.
Senior Consultant Dr. Erwin Fast stands at TRINICUM for exactly this approach: calmly examine, honestly evaluate, and only operate when it really makes medical sense.
Team
We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to advise you!
Schwarzenbergplatz 6
Entrance Zaunergasse 1-3
1030 Wien
Palais Fanto
Tel: +43 1 907 60 30
Mail: office(at)trinicum.com
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