Back pain is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. If you have back pain, it may be challenging to go about your daily activities, affecting your quality of life. Fortunately, a neurosurgery Edison specialist can alleviate your chronic back pain through spine surgery.
Although spine surgery can treat your back, you must prepare in advance to ensure the procedure’s success. Here are tips to prepare for spine surgery;
1. Educate yourself about the procedure
The best approach to feel comfortable with your diagnosis and the operation you will have, whether it’s a minimally invasive technique, motion preservation surgery, or something else, is to educate yourself on it. Read up on the spine surgery operation you plan to have and ask plenty of questions.
Your worry and disappointment with how your body recovers will be reduced if you go into the procedure knowing what to anticipate at each stage, from anesthesia through the recovery room, and how to monitor healing at home.
2. Discuss the preparation guidelines for spine surgery with your doctor
in addition to educating yourself about your diagnosis and impending operation, you should discuss with your doctor how you can be ready for your spine surgery. You should carefully follow any directions your doctor gives you. By doing this, you can make sure that your procedure goes as easily as possible.
3. Seek assistance from your family and friends
Concerns before any form of surgery are common. Most likely, you’ll feel terrified or nervous. During your recovery, you will most likely also have some physical limitations. Therefore, asking your family and friends for support before your surgery is a good idea. They can help you feel better both physically and mentally.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking is bad for your health, particularly before, during, and after spinal surgery. Smokers are more likely to experience issues with the heart and lungs after surgery. Smokers are more likely to experience inadequate or prolonged healing of spinal fusions after surgery. If you smoke, you should let your surgeon know. Even more so, you should completely stop. Don’t put off making plans to stop smoking until the day of the procedure.
5. Get enough sleep
You should get plenty of rest before your procedure, but obtaining enough sleep following spine surgery is crucial for healing. You will have a lot going on the day of your procedure. You can handle things better if you have enough sleep.
6. Review your medications
Some medicines can thin the blood, which might lead to excessive bleeding during or following surgery. Review your current medication with the surgeon before your spine surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on which drugs to keep taking and which to stop before your operation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil, and aspirin, are a few medications to stay away from before surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when to restart taking those medications following your surgery.
7. Prepare your home
It is beneficial if you plan changes to your living arrangements in advance. You can make the following home modifications to facilitate your recovery:
- Purchasing items that are easy to cook or making your food ahead of time
- Have your clothing and shoes ready in advance and place them at a height that is within your reach so that you do not have to bend.
- Put your phone in an easily accessible place.
Call Jeff Pan, MD, to book your appointment for minimally invasive spine surgery.
