The idea of undergoing any surgery tends to cause panic, and this also applies to spine surgery. Patients often have many questions about the process and how the surgery will affect their lives. In this article, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about spine surgery.
Typically, spine surgeries are not emergencies. This means that patients need to decide whether they need the procedure or not. It is a question of whether they are comfortable with the severity of the pain or discomfort they feel. Spine surgery is often only considered after all other non-surgical interventions fail.
There are two major forms of spine surgery: nerve decompression if the pain is caused by compression, and spine stabilization, which involves attaching hardware into the spine’s bony components to ensure stability and promote healing. Most spine surgeries are a combination of these two types. The surgeries generally last between one to three hours but may take longer if there is a need (however rare) for complex spine reconstructions.
Many patients ask this question a lot, and it comes from concerns about being permanently injured by the surgery. The risk of total paralysis or immobility due to spine surgery is extremely low. Paralysis occurs less than 0.5 percent of the time, and it is often a temporary situation.
It is hard to make the entire process painless, but advancements in techniques and technology used in spine surgery make it significantly less painful than before. The first few days are usually when the pain is the worst, then it generally gets better from there. After a week or two, patients should notice improvements compared to how they felt before the surgery.
Patients should start to get better soon after the surgery, especially if the pain is caused by nerve compression. The incision from the surgery may cause pain for a bit. The doctor will provide recommendations to relieve discomfort. Note that the rate of recovery depends on the patient and the procedure and can take between three to 12 weeks.
Walking after the surgery is possible but not advisable. Patients might need some recovery time afterward, considering the effects of anesthesia will not disappear immediately. Patients will need to ease into walking independently. In most cases, patients can return home the same day. However, they may need to remain in the hospital for one or two nights if there is a drain or discomfort.
Usually, the surgeon will advise the patient to avoid twisting, bending, or lifting. For procedures that involve spine stabilization and fixing some components, the restrictions may continue for up to three months after the procedure.
If you have more questions about spine surgery, feel free to ask the surgeon for answers. Having all the information you need can help you prepare adequately for the procedure.
Get more information here: https://arizonaneurosurgeon.com or call Randall Porter, M.D. at (602) 603-8951
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Spine Surgery in Phoenix, AZ.
A spine surgeon can help treat and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the spine. Thus, if you have been experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may indicate an issue with the spine, such as foot and leg tingling, it is a good idea to book a consultation. Learn when to consult a…
Navigating neurological challenges requires professional treatment from a neurosurgeon, personal perseverance, and healthy coping strategies. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological issue or are caring for a loved one who has, there is help available. Here are some helpful insights about the intricacies of the human brain and the comprehensive care needed to…
Minimally, invasive spine surgery has revolutionized the treatment of various spinal conditions, offering patients a less invasive alternative to traditional spinal surgery. This technique involves smaller incisions, reduced muscle damage, and faster recovery than traditional spinal procedures. For those suffering from debilitating back or neck pain, consulting an experienced neurosurgeon for minimally invasive spine surgery…
Typically, people seek over-the-counter or at-home remedies for back pain treatment. However, those can only go so far. Some cases require the attention of a neurosurgeon.A neurosurgeon is a specialty medical professional whose primary focus is the central and peripheral nervous systems, which include the brain, spine, and nerves. They can perform noninvasive and invasive…
A spine surgeon can help treat and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the spine. Thus, if you have been experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may indicate an issue with the spine, such as foot and leg tingling, it is a good idea to book a consultation. Learn when to consult a…
Navigating neurological challenges requires professional treatment from a neurosurgeon, personal perseverance, and healthy coping strategies. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological issue or are caring for a loved one who has, there is help available. Here are some helpful insights about the intricacies of the human brain and the comprehensive care needed to…