Have you suffered from chronic back pain, scoliosis, stenosis, bulging disc long enough? Are you thinking about surgery? Read what our Atlanta orthopedic doctors want you to know about back surgery.
When you are in pain, the last thing you want to think of is causing yourself more pain, so surgery may be a scary option for some. There will undoubtedly be pain while recovering from surgery, however, surgery may provide the relief one needs from their chronic pain. It is always best to discuss thoroughly any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor in regards to recovery, pain following the surgery, what to expect and the overall expected outcome of the surgery as each patient’s condition is different from the next.
Is Surgery Right For You?
Always discuss all your options and make sure you understand all your options before moving forward with any method of treatment from your chronic back pain. There is no one size fits all treatment plan for back pain sufferers and surgery might not be the best option for your particular case.
When replacing a bad knee or hip joint an orthopedic doctor has a clear idea of what needs to be repaired but the spine is an extremely complex structure that needs careful planning and opening the spine to explore to find the problem may not always be the best choice. However, if your pain is more structural, back surgery may provide you with a better outcome as the surgeons can create a better plan to help you rather than going in blind.
When It’s Time To Talk About Surgery:
- If your condition stems from a condition such as stenosis or a pinched nerve, surgery may be an option for you.
- If there is a visible cause of concern that shows up on an X-Ray or MRI and your physical exam matches with the area of concern, surgery may also be suggested.
- Typically, if one back surgery was not successful a second is not usually performed as this can increase the chances of mobility issues. So, if there is chronic pain, you are a candidate if this is the first surgery.
- If you have been receiving treatments in the form of injections for chronic back pain and they have provided some form of relief and increased mobility than this indicates that a more permanent solution is necessary and surgery could offer even more relief.
Pain Management Post-Op
Managing pain is essential to healing. Sometimes we try to be super heroes and fight through the pain but when your body is in excruciating pain and discomfort the body cannot heal the way it should. Always keep lines of communication open with your doctor to ensure that your pain is being managed properly.
Make sure that the medication is taken on schedule to keep you feeling at your best and if you feel you need an increase or decrease a dosage, contact your doctor. Keep yourself comfortable by switching your positions often and stay off a side that may add pressure to the surgical area. Another great pain management tool is to use ice for about 15-20 minutes 4-5 times a day to reduce swelling which will alleviate the pain.
If you decide to have the surgery, allow yourself the time to heal and come to terms with the aftermath of the temporary pain you are going face but know the overall benefit at the end of the road will outweigh the temporary pain. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, practice some meditation and relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.
Contact AICA Orthopedics For Help
If you have been suffering too long with chronic back pain and would like to discuss your options with our Atlanta orthopedic team, contact us today. We have worked with many patients in the Atlanta area to find them the relief they need, whether it be through surgery or other treatment options, we care about finding the best option for you. Contact us today at (404) 855-2141.
