Things to Know About Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery is a big deal, and it’s not something to take lightly. The last thing you want to do is jump into it without knowing what you’re getting into. At best, you’ll be facing a major operation that can change your life forever. At worst, you could end up paralyzed or dead. It’s not uncommon for a patient who has had a spinal fusion to suffer another back injury later in life. That’s because the body’s natural reaction is to fuse two damaged areas, which can have negative consequences down the road.
While there are many types of spinal surgery available today, most procedures focus on removing damaged tissue and providing a cushion for nerves that are being pinched. These cushions can be bone grafts from other parts of your body or artificial material like cadaver bone or titanium mesh. The more severe your condition, the more likely you’ll need an invasive procedure involving screws, rods, and metal plates to hold everything in place during recovery. Some of the things one needs to know about spinal surgery are as follows:
Age
The age of the patient is a factor. Statistics show that about 10 percent of people will have back surgery at some point in their lives. But older people are less likely to have back surgery than younger people. In general, younger patients have weaker immune systems than older patients. Patients with an acute case of low back pain — meaning it’s been going on for less than four weeks — may be better off waiting and letting it heal on its own (with medical care).
In one study, people who had only anti-inflammatory medications improved as much as those with low back surgery. For long-term low back pain, physical therapy and exercise may help. Some studies have shown that weight loss may also help relieve lower back pain. Losing extra pounds will take pressure off the spine and reduce strain on the lower part of the body.
Know whether the surgery is elective or necessary
Elective surgeries are performed because they are considered in the patient’s best interest. You might choose to have surgery if your back or neck condition affects your daily life or job performance. If it’s a necessary surgery, you should gather as much information about the procedure beforehand as possible.
Procedure to be performed
There are several types of spinal surgery. They are categorized based on the purpose of the procedure, such as to repair a herniated disc or to correct the curvature of the spine. Spinal fusion is one such procedure used to treat degenerative disc disease by joining two vertebrae together. It involves cutting away part of the disc and replacing it with a graft made up of bone from another area of your body, donated bone, or artificial materials.
The surgeon may use a posterior approach that involves an incision in the back of an anterior approach that includes an incision in the front. In some cases, both techniques may be used for the same procedure. Prior to any surgery, you should discuss all possible risks, benefits, and alternatives of the process with your neurosurgeon. One of the best ways to treat your spine is getting a neurosurgeon in Mission Viejo to get quality service if living around there.
Anesthesia to be administered
Before a spinal surgery, you will be asked to meet with the anesthesiologist administering your anesthesia. During this meeting, they will ask you about any medical conditions and medications. You should also ask your anesthesiologist about the type of anesthesia that will be administered, how it will be given, and whether there are additional steps you need to take before having surgery.
You may also want to ask what effects the anesthesia may have on you after surgery. After your surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or longer. However, in some cases, you may be able to go home after a short recovery period.
Discuss the risks and benefits
Spinal surgery is a daunting prospect, whether you’re considering the idea or are in the middle of it. You’re probably wondering what to expect and how things will go once you’re under the knife. Before the surgery begins, the doctor should give you instructions on preparing for surgery, including all the risks and benefits it has. Make sure you understand and follow these instructions carefully. Careful preoperative screening, monitoring, and post-operative care help reduce risks, but there are still risks involved with all surgical procedures.
Know what physical therapy or rehabilitation will be required after surgery
Your doctor will likely recommend that you have physical therapy or rehabilitation after your spinal surgery. These are options to help you recover quickly and resume your daily activities. You might not feel ready to start physical therapy, but it’s important to get started as soon as you can after surgery.
Physical therapists often use heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to help relieve pain and stiffness. If you’re having trouble getting out of bed or moving around after surgery, a therapist might give you a special brace to wear temporarily or suggest ways to make transfers easier. Also, you may need the services of a rehabilitation center if you’ve had one or more major surgeries, such as heart bypass, hip replacement, or cancer treatment.
Recovery time
The amount of time it will take for you to recover from spinal surgery will depend on the type of procedure and its severity. Your doctor may be able to provide you with a rough estimate of how long it will take, but there is no way to know exactly how fast you will heal until after the procedure is over.
Given these facts, it is more important than ever for each patient to know the basic facts about spinal surgery. When a doctor recommends spinal surgery, you need to be aware of the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Ask your doctor plenty of questions so that you know what to expect going into it. Only through knowledge can you decide what to do next through knowledge. With a little knowledge, you will be able to carry on with your daily life after spinal surgery without any limitations.
