Patient's Guide to Back Surgery

When a doctor recommends back surgery, you might find yourself asking many questions--why is surgery necessary, what will it entail, what are the risks, how long will recovery take. Being informed about back surgery will help you decide whether to have it.

When is Back Surgery Recommended?

• Most people experience back pain--from mild to excruciating--at some point during their lifetimes. For many it will resolve itself or can be treated with medication.

  Surgery is typically recommended only when the pain is caused by a condition or problem that affects the spinal column, creating compression or another situation that affects the spinal cord.

  Some conditions that might require surgery:
  - Scoliosis
  - Kyphosis (humpback)
  - Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, mostly caused by arthritis)
  - Radiculopathy (caused by herniated disk)
  - Degenerative disk disease

What Does Back Surgery Entail?

• The surgery a doctor recommends will depend upon the condition or problem. Some of these surgeries are minimally invasive, while others are major surgeries. However, nearly all of these surgeries entail cutting into the spinal area.

What are the Risks of Back Surgery?

• The risks must be carefully examined to ensure that they outweigh the potential benefits.

  The risks associated with any major surgery, including back surgery, can include:
  - Infection
  - Cardiac arrest
  - Stroke
  - Blood clots

  Before surgery, your physician must evaluate your risk factors for developing these complications.

  All surgeries on the spinal column have the risk of new nerve damage, which can be mild or severe.

How Long is the Recovery Period After Back Surgery?

• The length of your recovery period will depend on the condition and the type of surgery. Typically, the more invasive the surgery, the longer the recovery.

  During recovery most people feel pain, which can be controlled with medication. Tiredness, a reduced appetite, and a lack of energy are common. Your physician can tell you what is normal for you, and what might signal that you need more treatment.