As one of the most performed surgeries in the United States, spinal surgery is considered fairly routine, even though there are certain risks with any surgery. Regardless of why surgery becomes a viable option, there are some essential strategies to keep in mind to increase your odds of enjoying a safe and successful outcome.
1. Being Well Informed
You’ll greatly increase your odds of a successful spine surgery if you’re as well informed as possible before your procedure. Aside from knowing the basics of your procedure, take time to:
• Determine if you’ve exhausted all available non-surgical options
• Understand the risks associated with your procedure, even if you’ve elected a minimally invasive spine treatment
• Know your surgeon’s history with your procedure and the outcomes experienced by previous patients
2. Making Healthy Choices
The healthier you are going into spine surgery, the more likely you are to enjoy a successful recovery. If you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, make sure your condition is as under control as possible. It’s also a good idea to:
• Stop smoking and reduce or stop alcohol consumption before surgery
• Develop better sleep habits if you have a history of sleep issues
• Reduce your intake of sugar and unhealthy fats to boost your body’s natural ability to heal
3. Having Help at Home
An important key to having a successful spine surgery is having the help you’ll need in place before you have your operation. Request assistance in advance from other family members, neighbors, and friends for help with daily chores and tasks like driving you to follow-up appointments.
4. Following Post-Op Instructions
Even if some of your surgeon’s post-op instructions seem overly cautious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and do as instructed. In case you’re unsure of some follow-up instructions, have an easily accessible contact person like a nurse or your primary care physician you can contact for clarification.
5. Embracing Rehab
While some rest following spine surgery is necessary, it’s important to recondition muscles that support your spine with rehab and physical therapy. Actively participate by:
• Reporting any discomfort or renewed pain you may experience between sessions
• Performing suggested exercises you can do on your own at home
• Offering feedback to your physical therapist to further personalize sessions
For more information, or if you would like to schedule an in-person consultation for a second opinion with renowned spine surgeon Dr. Bae, please reach out today at (310) 828-7757. As a leader in both conservative and progressive spine therapies, Dr. Bae can help you determine the course of treatment right for your specific pain.