At least 80% of Americans will experience back pain. It’s the leading cause of disability, accounts for 264 million lost workdays or 2 for every full-time worker, and is the 3rd most common cause of doctors’ office visits.
Also, Read 5 Signs You May Have Nerve Damage
Back surgery is one of the most common solutions to this prevalent problem. The doctor may also need to operate directly on your spinal cord to release the pressure that’s causing your pain.
Read our guide to learn 3 things to know before getting spinal cord surgery.
1. Know When to Get Back Surgery and Which Procedure to Get
The most common reasons for spinal cord surgery include:
- Ruptured or herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal fractures from osteoporosis
- Spondylolisthesis
There are also several procedures to choose from.
A discectomy or microdiscectomy removes a herniated disc.
A laminectomy removes a bony plate known as the laminae. A laminotomy removes a portion of the vertebral arch or lamina that covers the spinal cord. These are decompression procedures that remove tissue compressing the spinal cord.
A foraminotomy removes bone or tissue at the neuroforamen where nerves branch off from the spinal cord. A disc replacement puts an artificial disc in place of a damaged one.
A spinal fusion joins 2 vertebrae, usually through the use of a bone graft.
You can also get an implant for back pain. Tak to your doctor to determine the best solution before back surgery of any kind.
2. Know the Risks of Spinal Cord Surgery
Other than a low rate of success, the most common risks are paralysis and spinal infections.
Despite this, spinal cord surgery is a safe procedure. The mortality rate is as low as 0.13%, and the complication rate is only 7.6%.
3. Know What to Do Before, During, and After
Before spinal cord surgery, you may need to get a checkup from your family doctor or specialists such as a cardiologist.
You’ll have to quit smoking. Nicotine delays healing and increase the risk of complications such as infection. You may also have to stop taking certain medications. Ibuprofen and aspirin thin the blood and further increase the risk of surgical complications.
You should prepare your home in advance for the recovery process. Move your furniture to create easy pathways, move important items to ensure they’re easy to reach, and find a friend or relative to stay with you.
Most patients are admitted to the hospital on the day of their surgery. Expect an interview from an anesthesiologist to discuss whether you’ll need general or local anesthesia. This discussion may also take place up to a week in advance.
The procedure takes at least 1-3 hours. You’ll stay in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off and then move to a hospital room. You’ll be discharged and given post-op instructions once you’re able to walk, eat, and use the bathroom on your own.
Your spinal cord pain may remain for a short time after surgery, and you may receive pain medication for relief.
An essential part of your recovery is keeping your spinal cord in proper alignment. This requires movements such as the log rolling technique, which your doctor will demonstrate.
More About Back Surgery
Spinal cord surgery is a solution to the problem of lower back pain, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Always consider the type you need, the potential risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Read the rest of our content for more back surgery tips.
