While you’re probably looking forward to the benefits offered by an elective spine surgery, you’re probably not excited about the pain and discomfort that may accompany the procedure. Modern medicine has made it much easier for doctors and patients to control pain during and after a procedure, but the fact of the matter is that you will likely experience mild to moderate discomfort at some point along the way. But just how painful is spine surgery, and what can be done to control and decrease discomfort? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.
Will Spine Surgery Hurt?
Many patients inquire about the pain they may experience during the procedure, and we are happy to inform them that surgery itself is very comfortable thanks to the wonders of anesthesia. With the help or anesthesia and sedation techniques, most patients don’t experience anything worse than a mild poke during the lead up to the procedure when anesthesia is delivered, and then surgery itself is painless. Spine surgery is typically painless, but the same can’t be said for the recovery process.
As the anesthesia wears off, you’ll begin to feel some discomfort in the area where the operation was performed. After all, surgery is a major trauma for your body, even if it is performed to correct and issue and relieve pain in the long run. Most patients say that discomfort peaks in the immediate aftermath of their recovery, and then pain begins to slowly fade. Again, this shouldn’t be severe pain, but your level of discomfort will vary based on several factors, and even if you are uncomfortable, remember that this short-term discomfort will lead to many long-term benefits.
Reducing Spine Surgery Pain
There are several steps you can take to help control or reduce discomfort after your spinal procedure. Some ways you can work to control pain after back surgery include:
- Pursue Minimally Invasive Surgery – Minimally invasive surgery involves less trauma to the body, which helps to limit discomfort after surgery.
- Trust The Right Specialist – Work with an experience specialist like Dr. Sinicropi who has successfully performed thousands of spinal operations. A trusted spine surgeon that can efficiently perform the operation can decrease trauma to the soft tissues in your spine and ensure healing has the best chance to occur as expected, helping to reduce post-op discomfort.
- Understand Your Medication Schedule – Your care team will likely cover how to effectively take your medication during your recovery. Taking your medication as directed can help you stay ahead of major pain while also reducing your risk of dependence or overdose.
- Do Your PT Exercises – We understand that you may not be overjoyed to be told you need to pursue physical therapy while you’re physically uncomfortable after spine surgery, but exercise, movement and physical therapy can all help to control pain after your operation. PT may lead to a mild increase in short-term discomfort, but it can help you heal faster and to a greater extent, both of which aid in pain control in the long-term.
Don’t shy away from a necessary spinal procedure because you’re afraid of some discomfort. We’ll do everything we can to keep pain at a minimum, and we know it will all be worth it in the end. For more information, or for help with your spinal issue, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
