Your spine is the principle structural support apparatus in your body. The Southern California Orthopedic Institute states that your spine comprises three distinct sections -- cervical, thoracic and lumbar -- and 33 separate vertebrae, or spinal bones. Some spine problems may require surgical intervention, although surgery is not always effective in treating spine-related complaints. If you are thinking about using dietary supplements to help speed your healing after spine surgery, review supplement-related topics with your doctor beforehand.
Spine Surgery
Several conditions may require spine surgery, notes MayoClinic.com, especially if they cause extreme pain or nerve compression or are progressive. Examples of conditions that may require spine surgery include scoliosis, kyphosis or a humpback deformity, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy and degenertive disc disease. Types of spine surgery commonly performed include discectomy, laminectomy, fusion, vertebroplasty and the insertion of artificial discs. Discectomy -- the removal of a portion of your spinal disc to help relieve nerve irritation -- is one of the most common types of spine surgery.
Healing Supplements
Numerous nutritional supplements may support your recovery following spine surgery. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that green tea, rose hips, goldenseal, turmeric, bromelain, zinc, vitamin E, MSM and essential fatty acids are among the most helpful supplements used in recovering from any surgery, including spine surgery. Other beneficial natural substances for this health purpose may include acidophilus and coenzyme Q10. Further evidence may be needed to determine the true effects of these supplements within your body.
A Helpful Supplement
Vitamin E may be a helpful supplement to assist soft tissue healing following spine surgery. Vitamin E boosts your circulation, which allows more blood to reach your affected tissues and encourages quicker healing and tissue repair. According to National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, naturally occurring vitamin E has eight unique chemical forms that possess different degrees of biological activity. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, also helps to reduce your body's production of reactive oxygen species -- molecules that may damage your cell structures.
Considerations
Spine surgery, though sometimes necessary, is an invasive procedure that may cause long-term health complications and may not correct your original health complaint. Before undergoing spine surgery, meet with your health-care provider to discuss all possible treatment options, including conservative care measures such as manual medicine and dietary supplementation.
Certain supplements may be beneficial in speeding your healing following spine surgery, although other supplements may cause unwanted health effects in your body and should be avoided or discontinued immediately.
References
- Southern California Orthopedic Institute: Anatomy of the Spine
- MayoClinic.com: Back Surgery
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin E
