Spinal surgery is a great way to fix damage to the spine when conservative treatments don’t work. If you suspect you may need spinal surgery, it is important to understand what to expect before deciding to get the procedure done.
Below are the most frequently asked questions about spinal surgery. Talk to your doctor and ask these questions before deciding if it is a viable treatment for you.
Why Do I Need Spinal Surgery?
Surgery is necessary when the body cannot heal naturally and the discomfort is causing major disruptions in the patient’s quality of life. Many situations can make you and your spine surgeon consider spinal surgery. Experiencing severe back pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments is the most common reason. Your spine doctor will diagnose your condition, recommend conservative treatments first, and assess how well you respond over several weeks or months. Once it is determined that such treatments are not providing effective relief, your doctor may recommend surgery.
What Does My Spinal Surgery Procedure Entail?
Based on your condition, its severity, and your physical health, your doctor will recommend the type of spinal surgery suited to safely and effectively correct the problem. As a surgery patient, you have the right to know what your surgical procedure entails. Your surgeon will give you a detailed overview of the procedure, what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure, and how your recovery will be. Feel free to ask your surgeon as many questions as you like to educate yourself and get peace of mind about the procedure.
What Happens If I Choose Not To Undergo The Surgery?
It is okay to say no to surgery, as long as you understand the likely result of this decision. Talk about other treatment approaches with your doctor before selecting spinal surgery as your treatment. There may be some treatments that you haven’t tried yet, and if you have exhausted all options, at least you will have the peace of mind knowing that surgery is the only option to bring you relief.
Will I Experience Pain After My Spinal Surgery?
It is perfectly normal to expect pain after surgery, which is most often severe right after the procedure and gradually decreases in intensity as time goes by. Your doctor will discuss pain relief options with you and prescribe pain killers to keep you comfortable during recovery. You will also discuss other pain relief options, such as ice therapy and physical therapy.
What Are The Risks Of Undergoing Spinal Surgery?
It is important to understand the risks of any procedure before undergoing it. Your doctor will have a detailed discussion of the risks with you prior to scheduling you for surgery. Determining if you qualify for surgery is an important step. It will entail you getting a comprehensive physical exam, a blood test, and a medication and lifestyle review. Based on the information collected, your doctor will determine if you are healthy enough for the particular surgery recommended. If you have elevated risks compared to other patients, your doctor will take steps to mitigate those risks and safeguard you from potential complications.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Spinal surgery is a major procedure. Therefore, it often requires an extensive recovery. The exact time period required for your recovery will depend on many factors, such as the specific procedure, your overall health, any complications that may take place, and how well you follow your recommended rehabilitation plan.
It is important to note that you will need assistance for the first several days to few weeks immediately following surgery. You will stay in the hospital for a few days at most, so most of your recovery will take place in the comfort of your home. Once there, you will need assistance moving around, doing chores, and preparing meals. Once your wound heals and you regain some strength and control of your body, you can begin doing things yourself. It is critical to have help handy immediately following the procedure.
Spinal Surgery In Denver And Colorado Springs, CO
If you have severe back pain and conservative treatments are not working, don’t hesitate to visit the expert spine surgeons at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. We will evaluate your medical history, scan your spine, assess your symptoms, and provide an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner. Our surgeons’ first approach is always to use non-surgical treatment options. If non-surgical treatments fail to provide you relief, your spine surgeon can perform spinal surgery for excellent outcomes.
Request an appointment by filling out our secure online form or by calling us at (303) 790-1800.
