Your spinal column is divided into a few different sections, with the top seven vertebrae making up what’s known as the cervical portion in your neck and upper back. While the lower spine is still the most common area for back pain to develop, we’ve seen an increase in the number of patients reporting to our office with neck pain, and it seems that smartphones and handheld tech devices are driving this increase. Because cervical spine surgery is becoming a reality for more people, it also means that myths and misconceptions about the operation are becoming more rampant. In today’s blog, we work to dispel some myths about cervical spine surgery and recovery.
Common Misconceptions About Neck Surgery
Most people haven’t undergone neck surgery before, so it’s understandable that they are a bit unfamiliar about the basic procedure and recovery protocol. Even if you’ve had a previous neck surgery, there’s a good chance that a subsequent operation would be a bit different, so it’s possible that you are a bit uncertain of what’s in store. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions about cervical spinal surgery.
- It’s Going To Hurt – The procedure itself will be painless as a result of the anesthesia used during your operation. This will put you in a dream-like state for the duration of your procedure. Yes, there will be some discomfort during the early stages of your recovery, but if you’ve progressed to the point where you need neck surgery, there’s a good chance you were already dealing with moderate to severe neck discomfort. Your care team will talk with you about some of the best ways to manage post-op discomfort (gentle stretching, pain medications, etc.), but know that any discomfort you feel should fade as you progress through your rehab. Many people say that their pain is much less than it was prior to their procedure just days into their rehab, so don’t assume you’re going to be in a lot of pain (but also don’t expect the entire recovery process to be painless).
- Major Incisions/Scarring – Some people are nervous that they’ll have a major scar on the back, side or front of their neck as a result of their spinal procedure. The fact of the matter is that most neck procedures can be safely performed using minimally invasive techniques, meaning the incision sites only need to be about an inch or so in size. These small incisions sites allow for minimal scarring, and it reduces your likelihood of other surgical complications, like bleeding or nerve damage.
- Your Surgeon Will Always Recommend Surgery – We’re not just going to recommend surgery so that we can send you a big medical bill. Surgery is rarely the first treatment option, and in many cases it is viewed as a last resort. If we can address your neck issues without surgical intervention, that’s the route we’ll pursue, because surgery adds additional risks and factors that need to be accounted for. Most spine specialists will not even consider surgery unless weeks of conservative care protocols have been followed and proven to be unsuccessful. If we recommend surgery, it’s typically because we see no other way to successfully manage the problem at hand.
- You’ll Have Major Limitations After Surgery – Now, we’re not saying that you can suit up and play tackle football weeks after your procedure, but at the same time, there’s a good chance you’ll earn clearance from your doctor to return to most normal physical activities once you’ve progressed through your rehab. You should be able to swim, golf, run and do countless other physical activities once you’ve earned clearance from your physician, so expect to be able to pursue some of your favorite activities again without pain. If you have questions about what activities may still be off limits after your procedure and recovery, talk with your surgeon ahead of time.
- It’s Not Worth It – One final myth that sadly keeps many people out of the operating room is the belief that the procedure won’t be worth it. We’ve yet to talk with a former patient who said that their procedure wasn’t worth it. You only get one body, and nobody should have to go through life with constant neck pain. You can greatly increase your quality of life by treating your neck issue and giving it your all during rehabilitation. We promise you that if you trust your care to the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute and commit to your recovery plan that everything will be worth it in the end.
Let us show you that myths about neck surgery and recovery are just that – myths! For more information, or to consult with Dr. Sinicropi about a neck or back issue you’re dealing with, give his office a call today at (651) 430-3800.
