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Recovering from Spine Surgery: What to Expect
Over one million spine surgeries are performed in the United States each year. Reducing chronic pain is a leading reason behind them.
If you’re headed toward spine surgery yourself, you’re probably more than ready to experience less discomfort and greater ease in your daily life. Knowing what to expect after your procedure can ease stress and help you prepare, making way for a positive outcome.
Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill provide spine surgeries to treat nerve damage, chronic neck or back pain, spinal stenosis, and more, when conservative therapies haven’t sufficed.
Types of spine surgery
The right spine surgery can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve your overall health and well-being. Some of the more common surgical spine procedures include:
- Discectomy, which removes a damaged disc
- Foraminotomy, which widens the space in your spinal column
- Laminectomy, which removes part of a vertebra’s lamina
- Microdiscectomy, which removes a small part of a herniated disc
- Spinal fusion, which connects two or more vertebrae
Whenever possible, our team uses minimally invasive techniques. We also specialize in complex spine surgeries.
Recovering from spine surgery
The specifics of your spine surgery recovery will depend on the type of surgery you have. Recovery from a discectomy, for example, may only take a couple of weeks. Traditional spinal fusion recovery happens gradually over the course of several months or up to a year.
A minimally invasive procedure may mean you go home the same day. More complex surgery may require a hospital stay. In either case, you’ll need a ride home.
Your recovery plan may include:
- Activity limitations with gradual increases
- Pain management care, such as rest, ice or heat therapy, and medication
- Physical therapy (PT), once you’re ready
- An assistive aid, such as a brace or walker
- Wound care, if you have traditional spine surgery
You’ll likely have one or several followup appointments to assess your progress and walk you through any treatment changes — such as the addition of PT or a medication shift. You’re welcome to call our office with questions any time.
Spine surgery results
Spine surgery success rates vary by procedure and among individuals. Working with a qualified professional and following your aftercare instructions increase your odds of positive and lasting results.
Minimally invasive spine procedures bring fewer risks than conventional surgery, making way for an especially good outcome. Regardless of your surgery type, our team will help you set reasonable expectations, such as less pain or discomfort and stronger mobility.
To learn more about spine surgery recovery or get started with individualized care, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.