Everyone knows that surgery is scary. But there are a lot of myths surrounding spine surgeries that can make it seem scarier than it really is. The good news is that the vast majority of back surgeries are successful. There are, however, times when an operation might not be for you. Surgical procedures can range from minor to major, and even complex. The type of surgery you have depends on the underlying cause of your back problem.
If you’re planning to have any type of surgery, especially a major one, you should know what lies ahead and what to expect. Discovering the truth about what your surgery may entail and what to do afterward can make you feel more prepared and relaxed ahead of time. Read on to learn more about the biggest back and spine surgery myths and what you can expect if you have the surgery.
The surgery will be painless
The truth is, you might experience some pain during surgery, especially the first couple of days after the procedure. This pain is normal and will likely only last for a few days. It’s important not to try to mask the pain with medication or other painkillers, as these may make the pain worse by masking the symptoms.
Some people may also experience back pain and nausea after surgery, which can make the first few days more difficult. Try to take care of yourself by resting as much as possible, eating a good diet, and staying hydrated. If the pain and nausea persist, speak to your doctor.
The operation will fix your conditions
Surgeries are tailored to fit your needs and issues. The kinds of surgeries you can get, and the procedures they entail, depending on the cause of your pain and the condition of your back.
For instance, if you have arthritis in your back, you may need surgery to remove the painful parts of the spine and bring relief to your pain. If you have a bad case of pressure pain, you’ll likely have that surgery to address the source of your pain.
However, if you have a herniated disk, the surgery won’t take care of the disk itself. Instead, the operation will likely be to remove parts of your back and stomach to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord.
Similarly, if you’re going in for fusion surgery, the surgeon will work to fuse or connect the injured or damaged sections of your spine.
You’ll feel better after the surgery
Except in rare cases, the surgery won’t “fix” your pain. After surgery, you’ll still likely experience some pain for a few weeks. However, your back doctor can customize your pain medication to help you get through this phase. You may even be able to stop taking any painkillers after a few days to allow your body to heal as best as possible.
After surgery, you’ll likely be in a lot of pain. This is normal and to be expected. It’s important to be patient with yourself and take care of yourself even if you don’t feel like it.
You’ll never have back pain again
Back pain affects a lot of people and is common. If you have back surgery, you may be able to end back pain, but it’s unlikely you’ll never have back pain again.
The surgery that you have may have removed the cause of your back pain, or it may have treated the symptoms.
One of the most common misconceptions following surgery is that you “never” will have back pain again. Back pain is normal and something that we all experience, whether it’s occasional muscle spasms or a serious injury.
The surgery will be risky
Back surgeries are often successful, but they’re not risk-free.
It’s important to remember that surgery is an invasive process that puts pressure on many areas of your body. These surgeries can also be very complex, and there’s always a small risk that something could go wrong.
Some of the risks of surgery are bleeding, infection, nerve damage, reaction to anesthesia, and more. If you’re concerned about your back surgery is risky, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your spine specialist doctor.
What recovery process will you have to go through?
Depending on the surgery, you might need to stay in the hospital for a few days. You’ll have an extended period of time where you can’t do much but rest, eat, and drink.
You may even need to wear a back brace or special device to help you heal.
Most people get back pain after surgery because they aren’t taking care of themselves. It’s important to eat a healthy diet, take care of your back, and stay hydrated after surgery to avoid any complications.
Aftercare for a successful surgery
There are a few things that you can do to make recovery after surgery easier. Know the limitations of your brace or device as soon as possible. If you need to lift anything heavy before your brace/device is adjusted, you may injure yourself. It’s important to allow your body to rest and heal, so don’t lift anything heavy for at least a week after surgery.
After surgery, you’ll need to avoid bending or twisting too much for a couple of weeks. It’s also important to maintain a good back posture when you’re sitting or standing so that you don’t put unnecessary strain on your repaired spine.
It’s also important to move slowly when you get up from your chair or go to sleep. You should also be careful when lifting objects that aren’t extremely light.
Wrapping Up: Should You Have a Back Surgery?
Surgery is a serious decision, especially when it comes to your spine. There are a lot of risks and potential difficulties, so it’s important to weigh the options carefully.
If you’re having back surgery, it’s important to know what to expect. You should also know the facts about back surgery myths and what to expect during recovery. Do your research, ask questions, and consider your options carefully before you make the decision to have back surgery.