If you’ve been suffering with chronic back pain, you may be hoping that spinal surgery will provide relief.
What many people fail to realise however, is that spinal surgery alone is only half of the equation. It can be devastating to undergo a major operation, only to find the pain is still there months or even years afterward.
This is why it is important to seek the support of a spinal consultant throughout your recovery, so you can work towards a pain-free future.
How to Get the Best Results from Spinal Surgery
The human body is incredibly complex, and no one body part operates in isolation – and this is particularly true of the spine. There are many factors which affect it, including weight, posture, biomechanics, and muscle control.
So while spinal surgery can help with some back problems, there are still other factors in play.
Additionally, when your body is injured – including after surgery – it compensates, trying to rest the affected part. After spinal surgery, the body will put extra load on other areas of the spine without you even being aware. The end result? Potential further pain.
For these reasons, relying on spinal surgery alone – without support during the recovery period – can even lead to a 5% increase in disability!
A study on post-surgery by the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation also found that both post-surgery disability AND leg pain is reduced by a massive 55% when your rehabilitation program includes active care and spinal manipulation.
Types of Spine Surgery
There are four main types of spinal surgery, with most involving decompression – removing the structure (bone, joint or cartilage) compressing the nerves and causing pain. These include:
- Foraminotomy – During surgery, the foraminal canals are widened to allow the nerve roots to move down unimpeded.
- Disectomy – If you have a herniated, bulging, extruding or fragmented spinal disc, the problem area is removed.
- Laminectomy – This is the most common of the decompression surgeries, involving the removal of the piece of bone which is trapping the nerves.
Laminectomies are often performed in conjunction with another type of surgery, called spinal fusion. - Spinal Fusion – Rather than removing bone or tissue, spinal fusion joins two vertebrae together. The theory is that if two unstable structures are causing soreness and suffering, restricting their movement in this way will ease the discomfort.
Tips for Recovery After Spinal Surgery
It’s very important not to think of the surgery as the end of your journey. There will be a long period of recovery and further physical therapy. The best thing that you can do is be prepared, and stock up on anything that you might need ahead of time so that you can feel ready for your recovery.
Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your surgeon. Ask your surgeon if there are particular rehabilitation requirements for your type of surgery, and how it might impact your daily life. For example if your house has access via stairs, you may want to check if you will be able to climb stairs straight after surgery.
Stock up on anything that you might need ahead of time, because driving is often not permitted for several weeks after spinal surgery.
Some items that you might like to stock up on include:
Healthy meals and snacks: You might find it helpful to ‘meal prep’ ahead of time and freeze pre-prepared portions of food such as soup or chicken and rice. That way you can simply take them out of the freezer and heat them up.
Alternatively you could consider a meal kit or meal delivery service that will bring food to your door for a few weeks. This will mean that you don’t have to worry about getting to the store, carrying and preparing the food. It would also mean that you can focus on eating well to reduce overall inflammation and give your body the best chance of a speedy recovery.
Items used for support and pain relief: These may include ice or heat packs, additional pillows or body pillows for when you are lying in bed, and a pill organiser to dispense your medications into.
You might also find that it is helpful or necessary to invest in other items: items such as a shower chair, back brace, or cane to support your walking. It’s best to find out what you need ahead of time, rather than trying to organise everything after surgery.
Ensure that you moderate your rest and your exercise. Both are important parts of recovery. Your surgeon will likely advise you on when to get up and walk around, and how frequently. Make sure that in between these periods of exercise you are giving your body adequate rest. Avoid overly strenuous activities and stock up on movies and games so that you aren’t left wishing for entertainment.
Work closely with your physiotherapist in the time following the surgery.
Your physiotherapist can be your best friend through the time following surgery. They will be able to suggest appropriate strengthening exercises and other things that you can do to aid in your rehabilitation. The advice will be tailored to the type of surgery you have had and your particular circumstances in order to best meet your needs.
Don’t ignore the exercises they suggest, make sure you follow their recommendations as it is important for a successful recovery.
What Does a Spinal Consultant Do?
If you are worried that you will be in too much pain after your operation to embark on a rehabilitation program with a physiotherapist – there is no need to be. In fact, our Spinal Consultants at The Brisbane Spine Clinic can help keep you more comfortable with post-operative pain management.
Once your pain levels are under control, they can also:
Focus on Your Muscles and Movement – Guide you with a personal treatment program to build your muscle strength and help you regain movement more safely. You don’t want to undo all the good work by overdoing it!
Address the Underlying Causes – As mentioned earlier, factors like weight, posture, and biomechanics may be contributing to your back issues – all things your physiotherapist can help with.
Answer your Questions – With a wealth of experience in this area, our Spinal Consultants are happy to answer your questions throughout your recovery.
In order to get the best results, you can expect to work with your physiotherapist on your rehabilitation for at least 6 to 10 weeks.
At The Brisbane Spine Centre, we take a holistic approach to your body and wellbeing. If you are about to undergo surgery for back pain, contact us about post-op treatment, to get the best from your recovery.
