What is Orthopaedic Spine Surgery?

Orthopaedic spine surgery can be used to correct a variety of spine conditions such as disc disease, arthritis, and fractures of the spine. Patients with spine disease and other conditions may be treated with other methods such as spinal manipulation, medication and pain management before orthopaedic spine surgery is tried. The orthopaedic spine surgery can be done with a traditional open surgery that can be a major operation for some patients. It is also possible for orthopaedic spine surgery to be done with endoscopic procedures that are much less risky.

Do You Need Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

Those suffering with chronic back pain may be candidates for orthopaedic spine surgery. The doctor must evaluate the cause of the chronic back pain before a treatment plan can be developed. For some patients, it may be a long road before surgery is used to treat their pain and back condition. Exercise, physical therapy, medication, spinal manipulation and pain management are often used first before orthopaedic spine surgery is tried. Once all treatments have been exhausted, doctors evaluate whether a patient is a good candidate for orthopaedic spine surgery.

Pain Relief with Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

The orthopaedic spine surgery can fuse the spine and stop abnormal movement of the spine which may be the cause of chronic back pain. Patients may experience an immediate relief from their pain. The recovery time is short with an endoscopic procedure, but it is still important that patients follow doctor’s orders closely to avoid injuring the back. Physical therapy helps to relieve pain after orthopaedic spine surgery and increases the strength of the muscles that support the spine including the back muscles as well as abdominal muscles. Orthopaedic spine surgery can eliminate chronic pain that some patients have been living with for years.

Recovering from Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

Patients may be required to stay in the hospital for several days after an orthopaedic spine surgery. Others may be able to go home relatively quickly. The recovery depends on the type of procedure performed and the condition of the patient. Patients should prepare for their orthopaedic spine surgery by arranging for time off from work and help around the house. Endoscopic surgery has a shorter and easier recovery time than an open surgery, but patients still need time to recover before resuming normal activities. Follow up appointments with the doctor will usually occur within a few weeks after the procedure. Orthopaedic spine surgery recovery can take a great deal of time in some cases.

Going Back to Work after Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

The doctor will determine when it is advisable to return to work after an orthopaedic spine surgery. During the follow up appointment, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s physical condition and the condition of the surgery site. Depending on the progress made during this time, the doctor will set a date for a return to work. It is important that the patient follow instructions from the doctor in regards to returning to normal activities after an orthopaedic spine surgery.