Spinal conditions are often incredibly painful and debilitating. They can interfere with your work, hobbies, and interactions with friends and family. Different spine surgeries can correct injuries and defects, allowing you to return to a healthy, pain-free lifestyle. At the Center for Spine & Orthopedics, we perform a number of surgical procedures to treat spinal disorders and provide our patients with positive outcomes. Learning about the different types of spine surgeries and the process of preparing for and recovering from surgery can help you feel more comfortable with your upcoming procedure.
Types of Spine Surgery
The most common types of spine surgery are decompression and fusion surgeries. Each surgery treats different conditions and has specific requirements for a healthy recovery.
Decompression Surgery
Decompression surgery (called a laminectomy) creates space in the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It is often used to treat spinal stenosis or other conditions that cause nerve pain from abnormal spine narrowing. During the procedure, a bony part of a vertebra (called a lamina) is removed to relieve pressure on nerves.
A discectomy is another type of surgery that removes pressure from spinal nerves. This procedure relieves pain associated with a herniated disc and includes the removal of all or part of the affected disc.
Decompression surgery treats pain and weakness associated with pressure on spinal nerves. Procedures are usually minimally invasive and completed in 30 to 60 minutes. Patients can often return home the same day. While all surgeries carry some risks, complications from decompression are uncommon. The most common complication is disc herniation recurrence after a discectomy.
Fusion Surgery
Fusion surgery improves stability, corrects a deformity, and reduces pain. The procedure permanently connects two or more vertebrae on your spine to eliminate motion between them. During fusion, your surgeon places bone or bone-like material in the space between two vertebrae. Metal plates, cages, screws, and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae in place to heal. Fusion surgeries are used to treat a range of conditions, including spinal trauma, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and spinal fracture. Complications are rare during and immediately after surgery. However, degeneration sometimes develops in adjacent spinal segments due to additional stress.
Fusion surgery is more involved and requires a longer recovery time. Patients will remain in the hospital for a few days and experience a longer recovery period during the months following surgery.
Preparing for Spine Surgery
Back pain is common, and surgery isn’t always required for a full recovery. To prepare for your surgery, you will talk with a specialist and undergo necessary testing.
- Consultation with a Specialist: When considering spinal surgery, choose a qualified surgeon with extensive experience treating the condition you’re experiencing. You will have the opportunity to discuss expectations of the surgical outcome and potential risks involved with the recommended procedure.
- Medical Evaluation and Diagnostic Tests: You’ll share information with your surgeon about your condition and undergo diagnostic tests, which may include physical exams, X-rays, and other scans. You’ll be advised about any potential risks during surgery.
- Preparing the Home and Support System: Before surgery, you must prepare your home for your post-operative requirements. Some surgeries require extensive preparations to make navigation easier while you recover. Your surgeon will advise about changes you should make.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Following your surgeon’s instructions after surgery is vital to successful recovery. Requirements will vary depending on the type of spinal surgery you need.
Hospital Stay and Immediate Post-Surgery Period
In many cases, patients are allowed to return home a few hours after minimally invasive spinal decompression surgery. You’ll likely be required to stay in the hospital for a few days after fusion surgery. You’ll return home with instructions about your allowed activity level and potential concerns to watch for. Your surgeon will likely prescribe medications to help you manage pain during the first days following surgery.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
A physical therapy rehabilitation plan will help you regain strength after surgery and avoid reinjury. The duration and requirements of your program will depend on your goals and your condition. Many rehab programs include physical therapy to help patients safely regain strength and return to prior activity levels.
Long-Term Recovery and Lifestyle Adjustments
Recovery from spinal surgery can take several months. While you will likely be advised to avoid lifting, mobility during this time is crucial for successful recovery. You may also be advised to make lifestyle changes to prevent future issues.
The Center for Spine & Orthopedics: Your Partner in Spine Surgery Success
Preparing for spine surgery can feel overwhelming. However, these surgeries can repair chronic conditions and free you from pain, numbness, and weakness that haven’t been relieved by other methods. At the Center for Spine & Orthopedics, we’re with our patients for every step of the spinal surgery process. From your first consultation through post-op recovery, our trained specialists are prepared to care for your unique needs. Give us a call at 720-540-7374 to schedule an appointment.
The Center for Spine & Orthopedics is the leading expert in spine surgery, having performed over 10,000 procedures over the last 25 years. Contact us to learn more about spinal surgeries and other options for back pain relief.
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