With over 352,000 Americans undergoing spinal fusion surgery each year, the procedure is the most common surgical spine treatment across the U.S.
Spinal fusion surgery permanently fuses two or more vertebrae together. Eliminating painful motion between the two vertebrae prevents the surrounding nerves, muscles, and ligaments from stretching. This allows them to heal into a single bone which improves stability and relieves the pain caused by pressure being put on the structures of the vertebral column.
If you have an upcoming spinal fusion surgery planned, make sure you take an adequate amount of time to prepare and recover.
Here are five tips to help you navigate the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative stages with ease.
1. Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment
Many patients who are scheduled to undergo spinal fusion surgery are required to get fitted for a brace beforehand. The brace plays a significant role in facilitating the recovery process.
We also suggest ensuring you have the required equipment beforehand, including a walker, toilet seat extender, makeshift chair to use in the shower, and a lightweight, handy grabber with a long handle.
These tools will help you perform essential tasks without damaging your spine or feeling held back.
Ask your neurosurgeon if you require additional equipment, tools, and accessories.
2. Connect With Former Spinal Fusion Surgery Patients Online
Calm your nerves prior to the procedure by connecting with former spinal fusion surgery patients online. This can go a long way in helping you feel relaxed, reassured, and optimistic about the surgery.
We also suggest asking them for tips and subjective insights. The knowledge, motivation, and comfort will ultimately help you feel prepared and combat pre-operative stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
3. Stop Smoking
If you’re a smoker, we strongly suggest you stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your spinal fusion surgery.
Smoking directly interferes with the healing of the bone graft, thereby increasing the risk of operative and post-operative complications.
As new bone growth is an essential part of spinal fusion surgery, delays and issues can greatly affect the outcome of the procedure.
4. Feel Free to Call Your Spine Specialist At Any Stage
Communicate clearly, openly, and frequently with your neurosurgeon to ensure you’re fully informed about the procedure.
Active and coherent communication will eliminate the chances of you being uninformed or misinformed about key aspects of the process.
We also suggest cross-checking any information you find online or from former patients with your doctor. Ultimately, your doctor should be your primary source of information about the proceedings of the surgery, recommendations, and additional information.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Get a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion from a renowned spine surgeon is a great way to ensure you’re on track, especially if you’ve been consulting the same doctor for years because of familiarity.
In fact, if your doctor advises you against getting a second opinion, you may want to be a little more cautious than usual.
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified spine specialist neurosurgeon who has performed successful spinal fusion surgeries in the past. At Houston Neurosurgery and Spine, we go the extra mile to ensure our patients receive excellent back and spine clinic Houston from world-renowned neurosurgeons in Houston.
Dr. G. Alexander West has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating patients with:
- Cervical Myelopathy
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Foraminal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Brain and Spinal Tumors
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Call 832-522-8500 to schedule a consultation for spinal fusion surgery and neurosurgical spine treatment Houston.