Boise Chronic Neck and Back Pain Surgeon

Understanding Chronic Back & Neck Pain

Chronic back and neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and for good reason—it can limit mobility, disrupt sleep, and diminish quality of life. For some, the pain is a dull, constant ache. For others, it strikes as sharp, radiating nerve pain that makes even small tasks overwhelming.

Living with persistent spinal pain can feel exhausting and frustrating, especially when conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications, or injections haven’t brought long-term relief. At this stage, many patients begin to wonder: Is surgery the next step?

Dr. Kelly Bridges takes a careful, individualized approach to this question. Surgery for chronic back and neck pain is never recommended lightly. Instead, she works with patients to understand the true cause of pain, rule out conditions that may not benefit from surgery, and determine whether an operation could realistically improve function, mobility, and comfort.

Common Causes of Chronic Back & Neck Pain

Chronic pain in the spine may develop for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Degenerative disc disease: gradual wear of spinal discs that leads to pain and stiffness.
• Herniated discs: when disc material pushes out and compresses nearby nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal that irritates nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis: a slipped vertebra that destabilizes the spine.
• Arthritis of the spine: leading to joint overgrowth and nerve compression. 

Not all back or neck pain stems from a problem in which surgery is the best solution. Some discomfort is muscular or inflammatory, which often responds better to non-surgical care. This is why proper diagnosis is essential—treatments must be matched to the exact underlying issue for patients to see improvement.

When Surgery Becomes an Option

For many patients, conservative treatment provides significant relief. However, surgery may be considered when:

• Pain persists for months despite appropriate non-surgical treatments.
• Nerve symptoms—such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs—worsen over time.
• Imaging shows structural problems like severe stenosis, herniated discs, or instability that correspond with symptoms.
• Pain or weakness significantly limits work, hobbies, or daily activities.
• Red-flag symptoms appear, such as changes in bladder or bowel control, which require urgent surgical attention. 

Dr. Bridges carefully evaluates each patient’s situation before recommending surgery. The goal is not simply to relieve pain in the short term but to restore long-term function, protect nerve health, and improve overall quality of life.

Recovery & What to Expect

Recovery after surgery for chronic back or neck pain varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s overall health. In most cases, patients begin walking and moving soon after surgery under careful supervision. Restrictions on heavy lifting, bending, and twisting typically last several weeks.

Physical therapy often plays a critical role in recovery, helping rebuild strength and flexibility while teaching safe movement strategies. Many patients notice early improvements in leg or arm symptoms soon after surgery, while back or neck pain tends to improve steadily over weeks to months.

Dr. Bridges provides detailed, individualized recovery plans, ensuring patients know what to expect and how to safely return to work, exercise, and the activities they enjoy.

Making Informed Decisions With Confidence

Many patients facing chronic back or neck pain feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available online. It can be hard to know what’s accurate and what applies to your specific situation. That’s why having a trusted neurosurgeon who takes the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly makes all the difference. Dr. Kelly Bridges believes that informed patients make the best decisions, and she works closely with each individual to ensure they feel confident, supported, and cared for every step of the way. Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery strives to provide a VIP service for every patient. Whether you ultimately need surgery or find relief through non-surgical options, the focus is always on restoring your quality of life.