What Should You Expect After Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery is a significant medical procedure involving many factors and risks. The surgery and recovery process can be daunting, but it dramatically improves your life if your orthopedic surgeon recommends it. It’s important to know what to expect from your upcoming spine surgery, so we’re here to cover the basics and help guide you through the steps you should take during your recovery. 

What Should You Expect After Spine Surgery? 

Immediately after your spine surgery, your surgery team will take you to a recovery room where your medical staff will closely monitor you. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may spend a few nights or more in the hospital to help keep track of your progress. Your team will monitor your vital signs and provide pain medications as needed. Your surgeon will most likely have prescribed a regimen of medications for you to follow after being released from the hospital. 

Once you’ve been released from the hospital, your doctor will provide recovery instructions to follow when you’re at home. Your period of recovery will significantly depend on the type of surgery you had, but here are some general guidelines:

• Pain management: Your orthopedist will likely provide prescription pain medications to help manage any discomfort you may experience. These medications help alleviate pain and help your body progress with healing over time. 
• Follow-up appointments: Your appointments with your orthopedist will allow your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing correctly. 
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy is considered one of the best recovery treatments for those who’ve had major surgery, as it will help your body regain strength and mobility back to your back. Your physical therapy will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had, but it will also involve stretches and exercises you can do at home. 
• Rest: Rest is vital for the recovery process. While recovering at home, you must get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities until your doctor approves it and sees that you are recovering well. 
• Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthy during your recovery. 

It’s important to remember that because spine surgery is a complex procedure, there are always some risks. Depending on the procedure used for your surgery, these risks can include infections, blood clots, nerve damage, and other complications. However, your doctor will work to ensure that none of these complications arise during the procedure.

Visit Space Coast Orthopedics Today For a Consultation!

While spine surgery can be a long and challenging process, the result can be worth it with the right amount of care and support. At Space Coast Orthopedics, we work with qualified surgeons to ensure you have a safe experience with whatever treatments you need. For more information, visit our Merritt Island, FL office by calling (321) 459-1446 to speak with Dr. Luc Teurlings.