Who Is a Good Candidate for Nerve Decompression Surgery?

If you have experienced chronic pain and discomfort due to a compressed nerve, it is important to explore all of your treatment options. One such option is nerve decompression surgery, a medical procedure that can relieve pain and pressure on the nerves and improve the quality of life for many patients. But who should consider this surgery? Dr. Williams can discuss your options and determine if you are a candidate for nerve decompression surgery and whether it is a good choice to treat your condition.

Determining Who Is a Candidate for Nerve Decompression Surgery

Nerve decompression surgery is typically recommended when more conservative treatments have failed to provide relief from the pain associated with compressed nerves due to conditions such as nerve entrapment, compression syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. Because of this, the patient must have already attempted other treatments, such as physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and medications, before being considered as a candidate for nerve decompression surgery. It is also important that the patient be able to undergo general anesthesia during the procedure.

In addition, patients should consider their overall health when considering if they are good candidates for nerve decompression surgery. Those with diabetes are often considered ideal candidates because the increase in blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause tissue swelling and increase pressure on nearby nerves. As such, these patients tend to experience greater benefits from nerve decompression than those patients without diabetes. 

While nerve decompression surgery is not for everyone, it can be a very beneficial option if you are a good candidate. Dr. Williams only will recommend this type of surgery for patients who:

• Have either Type 1 or 2 diabetes that is well controlled with HgbA1c less than 8.5
• Do not weigh over 350 pounds
• Do not have uncontrolled swelling in feet
• Have pain, numbness, or both symptoms
• Have normal blood flow in the feet and exhibit no current open wounds

Benefits of Nerve Decompression Surgery

Nerve decompression surgery can provide several benefits for people suffering from certain conditions that cause nerve compression. These benefits include:

• Reduced pain. By releasing pressure on the compressed nerves, patients experience reduced levels of pain and discomfort in that area. This provides relief from chronic pain that can help improve quality of life.
• Improved function. After undergoing nerve decompression surgery, patients often experience improved movement and strength due to reduced pressure on their nerves. This can help improve overall functioning and reduce any limitations they may have had due to their condition.
• Reduced risk for complications. By reducing pressure on compressed nerves, patients are less likely to experience further complications due to their condition or treatment. This can help lower their risk for further damage or disability caused by prolonged compression of their nerves. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When deciding if nerve decompression surgery is the right choice for you, it is essential that you discuss your options with your doctor or surgeon so that they can help you make an informed decision. Some questions to ask at your appointment include the following:

• What type of treatment plan do you recommend?
• How will the procedure be performed?
• What risks and complications could arise from the procedure?
• What can I expect in terms of the healing process and recovery time? 
• Are there any lifestyle changes that I need to make prior to or after my surgery? 
• Are there any other treatments available that may be less invasive than nerve decompression surgery? 
• Do you feel that I am a good candidate for this type of surgery?

By asking the right questions, getting all of your information together, and understanding what outcomes are possible, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision that is right for your needs and situation.

Contact Our Baltimore Nerve Decompression Doctor

If you are looking for a Baltimore doctor for nerve decompression surgery, contact our office for an evaluation. Dr. Williams can determine if you are a candidate for nerve decompression surgery. We can help ease your pain by creating a treatment plan to get you back to living pain-free as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment in the Baltimore office, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.