1. Alternatives First
Back surgeries are radical and painful, and not always successful in offering pain relief. In general, your doctor will not suggest surgery unless conservative treatments have failed to relieve pain for several months. Also, many physicians will not consider surgery unless there is nerve involvement or damage, or unless the pain is severe enough to disrupt daily routines or work. If you are investigating surgical options for back pain relief, expect your doctor to first suggest physical therapy or alternate medications.
2. Several Surgical Approaches
Hardware may be inserted to repair or replace damaged bone or tissues. Examples of these are artificial discs, or spacers that fit between the bony prominences of the vertebrae. Alternatively, bone or tissue that interferes with nerve function may be partially or completely removed. Examples of these are laminectomies and discectomies, in which some of the vertebrae and/or intervertebral disc are cut away. Another type of back surgery is a spinal fusion, in which the vertebrae are grafted together to limit motion between them. The approach your surgeon uses will depend on your lifestyle and the severity of your condition.
3. Recovery May Take Time
After back surgery, you may still feel pain and discomfort in your back and even radiating down to your legs. This does not mean that the surgery failed. Swelling around the incision site and operated area is common, and this can affect to local nerves. Because of this, you may have symptoms similar to those felt before the operation. It can take several weeks or even months to fully recovery from post-operative pain. During this time, it is important to follow the doctor's orders to avoid further injury.
4. Wearing a Brace and Limited Activities
Following spinal surgery, your doctor may issue you a soft corset or a firm stability brace to wear for several weeks. Some physicians allow the brace to be removed for certain periods of the day, such as when bathing, while others require constant wear. The doctor's orders will vary depending on your surgery and the degree of repair performed. Most physicians also restrict certain movements of the spine, particularly bending forward, as well as how much weight you may lift. These restrictions decrease the risk of injury during the vulnerable healing phase.
5. Recovery Varies
While you may be back at home within a few days of your surgery, full recovery can take up to a year or more. This depends on a variety of factors: your pre-operative activity level, the degree of damage in your spine, the type of surgery performed and the course of your post-operative recovery. In general, you should be able to walk and complete your basic care within a few weeks. More complex tasks, such as driving and household chores, will take longer to regain.
