When we decide to have spine surgery performed, we hope that it takes care of our pain and discomfort once and for all. For some conditions, an operation can do just that, but when it comes to a structure as complex as your spine, it’s nearly impossible to say with absolute certainty that surgery will completely cure your back pain.
With that said, there are a number of factors that we can use in conjunction with one another to help you understand what the most likely outcome will look like after surgery and rehab is complete. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the factors that help us predict your pain level following a surgical procedure.
Will Surgery Fix My Back Pain?
While we can’t say for certain that you’ll be free of back pain following a successful surgery and rehab, here’s a look at all the factors we use to help gauge where your pain levels might be following an operation.
- The extent of the Damage – If the damage or degeneration is severe, some discomfort may still persist even after surgery and recovery.
- Surgeon’s Skill – Sometimes a surgeon’s skill can make the difference in your pain levels following surgery.
- Surgical Method – Minimally invasive techniques tend to lead to reduced pain levels following surgery and recovery because less tissue damage is involved, but not every operation can be performed using these techniques.
- Age – While it’s not a modifiable factor, your age and your ability to bounce back from the trauma of surgery can affect your total recovery following spine surgery.
- The Condition Itself – Sometimes a condition is such that the goal of surgery is not to completely resolve pain, but to help lessen its severity. Your surgeon can help make this clear so that you don’t come in with unrealistic expectations.
- Your Work Ethic – It’s not just up to the surgeon to fix you. You need to put in the work to help strengthen the area following surgery and ensure nearby structures can safely handle stress. The more work you put in during your rehabilitation, the greater the chance you’ll have reduced pain when recovery is said and done.
- Diet and Exercise – Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can all help to control and reduce pain both before and after surgery. Develop a daily routine that involves healthy habits to help control pain long-term following a spinal procedure.
Dr. Sinicropi and his team would be more than happy to discuss any and all of the above aspects to help you understand your road to recovery and what life might look like after a spinal procedure. For more information, or for help with your back pain, give his office a call today at (651) 430-3800.
