Your recovery from herniated disc surgery will largely depend on the type of procedure that you choose to undergo. For example, a discectomy in the form of an open spine operation will generally be followed by fusion surgery. This is a massively invasive operation that involves the removal of a large portion of the spinal anatomy, the permanent fusion of two or more vertebrae, bone grafts, stabilizing hardware, and an arduous rehabilitation. An endoscopic procedure, on the other hand, uses a small incision (less than an inch), an endoscope, and small surgical tools to remove only the portion of the herniated disc that is causing neural compression. No hardware or bone grafts are required. These minimally invasive procedures are also performed on an outpatient basis and do not require general anesthesia. Because only a small incision is required for the endoscope, the recovery process is significantly shorter than that of a spinal fusion surgery.

Post-Operative Expectations for an Open Spine Operation

As you discuss the option of herniated disc surgery with your doctor, he or she will likely bring up the topic of post-operative expectations to make sure you have a realistic idea of how successful the surgery will be, in addition to how much rehabilitation will be involved. In the case of an open spine operation, the recovery process will be significantly more involved than that of an endoscopic procedure, which makes it even more important for patients to make sure they have realistic expectations.

When you undergo a discectomy with spinal fusion for a herniated disc, you will likely remain in the hospital for several days so that your surgeon and the medical staff can monitor:

– Your reaction to the general anesthesia – you will be observed closely to make sure you do not have any allergic reactions or respiratory complications due to the anesthesia.

– The surgical incision – the incision is fairly large for this type of procedure, so it will be important to keep it clean and dry to avoid infection.

– The placement of the stabilizing hardware – post-operative X-rays will show whether or not the rods and screws used to hold the bone graft and adjacent vertebrae together are still in place.

At-Home Rehabilitation after a Herniated Disc Surgery

Once you are released from the hospital after an open spine surgery for a herniated disc, you will likely have a stringent regimen of rehabilitation. You may begin with several days of rest and antibiotics, but physical therapy will soon follow. Keep in mind that the more immobile you are after a surgery, the harder it will ultimately be to regain a full range of activity. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication will help you cope with the discomfort you will experience as you recover. Prior to surgery, set up a supportive network of family and friends who can assist you with daily tasks – like grocery shopping, pet care, or bathing – that may be difficult to perform while you recover. Stay in touch with your doctor and let him or her know about any discomfort you’re experiencing that doesn’t seem to be part of the normal healing process, such as sensations of tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling in the extremities. You should also be aware of the symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which include a return of your original symptoms, a rejection of the fusion hardware or bone graft, depression, insomnia, anxiety, pain in other areas of the body, and an inability to heal.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated disc