Because most people don’t have a lot of experience with back surgery or life after a spinal operation, it’s common for patients to come in with some misunderstandings or misconceptions about the process. This is completely normal, but coming into a situation with mismatched expectations or confusion over your care can actually serve to make the situation worse, so we always work to clear up these misconceptions prior to an operation. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some common misconceptions about spine surgery and recovery.
Misunderstandings About Spine Surgery And Rehabilitation
Here’s a look at some of the most common misconceptions we hear about spine care or the surgery and recovery process.
- Spine Surgery Is The Best Option – Spine surgery is highly successful at treating a variety of conditions, but surgery is almost always viewed as a last option. Many surgeons will refuse to operate unless you’ve pursued a few different conservative techniques. Surgery is a major trauma on your body, so if a problem can be addressed without cutting you open, that will be the optimal route. Surgery may end up being the best option, but it isn’t the best option every single time.
- Your Work Begins When The Surgeon’s Job Ends – As we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, surgery alone will not correct your spinal issue. It may provide some of the heavy lifting, but in order to make the strongest recovery, you need to dive into a rehabilitation plan after your operation. However, there is a misconception that you have to wait until surgery is over to begin your rehab plan. A preoperative physical therapy plan will help make you stronger and healthier prior to your operation, which will also aid in your recovery. You do not need to wait until after surgery to start taking positive steps to help your spine.
- Doctor Knows Best – We’re not trying to slander any spine surgeon here, but we do want to let it be known that the doctor shouldn’t be the one making all the decisions. Your consultations with your spine surgeon should be a two-way conversation where your goals, wishes and desires are discussed. If it doesn’t seem like the doctor is hearing what you’re saying, find another surgeon to perform your operation. You need to be able to trust your surgeon, and knowing that they listen and understand your concerns goes a long way in helping to provide this trust. Spine specialists are experts in their field, and you may defer to them along the way, but you need to ensure your voice is heard throughout the process.
- Surgery Is Painless/Painful – We’ve actually heard this one both ways. We’ve heard from patients who expect the process to be painless, and we’ve heard from others who are afraid of surgery because of the potential for pain. With advancements in anesthesia, pain medications and minimally invasive procedures, the operation itself is typically painless, and then we work to control discomfort as best as possible throughout your recovery. That being said, odds are you aren’t going to be happy if you expect the entire process to be painless. Surgery is a major trauma on your body, and the goal is to wean you off any painkillers as quickly as possible, so there will be some pain and discomfort. Your doctor can help to manage expectations, but know that some mild discomfort is normal as you recover.
- Physical Therapy Isn’t That Important – Your physical therapy routine will arguably be the most important aspect of your recovery, so please don’t skip sessions or do them with minimal effort. Physical therapy is what strengthens injured tissues, increases flexibility, wards off scar tissue formation, improves your balance and helps you become more functionally independent. You owe it to yourself to give it your all during post-op physical therapy so that you have the best chance at a full recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns that you want addressed throughout your back pain treatment or ahead of surgery, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today at (651) 430-3800.
