Back surgery, as with any surgical procedure, has certain risks and side effects. For most patients, especially those who have had a previous back surgery, this can be a highly painful and uncomfortable procedure that can also leave them unable to work for some time afterward. While it’s possible to minimize these risks through adequate exercise, posture and good back care, no amount of padding will make up for a poor decision to have a back surgery.
For anyone considering back surgery, there are several places they should check out before making a final decision. The first place to start is an honest, thorough review of the surgeon’s credentials and references. An individual looking for a minimally invasive procedure should not only look at the credentials of the doctor, but also at the institute where he or she intends to have the procedure done. Some institutes may be better than others at tailoring surgical techniques to individual patient’s back problems, so it’s important to ask the surgeon about the experience of his or her staff in dealing with patients whose back problems have been less than ideal. While it’s possible to go to just about any medical school and medical spa and receive a minimally invasive surgery done under the guidance of a surgeon who has performed hundreds of surgeries under their supervision, the best method for choosing the right surgeon is to ask around and see how other patients have responded to a particular surgeon and institute.
After receiving back surgery, many patients are surprised by how much pain associated with their new problem is. While back pain itself isn’t considered a “permanent” condition, prolonged periods of back pain may lead to fatigue and loss of mobility. This in turn can mean missed time from work and increased costs due to lost productivity. In addition, if patients are unable to move around properly, the added strain on their back muscles can lead to strains and sprains which can further aggravate their pain. With rehabilitation and physical therapy, patients are able to lessen the amount of pain associated with their procedure and ultimately improve their quality of life.