How do you manage pain after spinal fusion?
How do you manage pain after spinal fusion?
A combination of narcotic medications, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammation medications can provide better pain control. Anti-inflammatory medications are not used for any type of fusion surgery, however, such as an ACDF or lumbar fusion. Ice and cool therapies can reduce the postoperative pain and swelling.
What kind of pain does a spinal fusion cause?
This type of pain is called neurogenic or neuropathic pain. It’s a pain like sciatica: a sharp stabbing pain that runs in a thin band down your leg. It can have associated numbness, tingling and weakness in your leg.
How does an Orthopaedic Spine surgeon treat back pain?
After treatment, patients remain under the center’s spine surgeons’ care through physical therapy and pain management. Patients recover with an emphasis on education in spinal pain and injury prevention, physical therapy and rehabilitation, including exercises and bracing.
When to see a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon?
When a spinal condition is discovered or suspected, a primary care physician will usually refer the patient to either an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.
How is the disc removed from a spinal fusion?
In a spinal fusion, the disc is surgically removed. Usually, the way to access the disc is from the back. To get to the disc, the surgeon needs to remove part of the bony arch that is at the back of the spine. This operation called a laminectomy.
When to call the doctor for spinal fusion pain?
Bonus: on top of making you drowsy, pain medication may also help you position yourself comfortably enough to get a few hours of sleep. Don’t be afraid to call your doctor. If something doesn’t feel right, call your surgeon. Sometimes a minor tweak to a medication regimen can make a big difference.
Why do I have pain in my back after spinal fusion?
Because the spacer is able to move, and it’s harder than bone, in time, it pushes into the vertebrae. This further damages the joint and means it may make abnormal movements, which can stress the nerves around the joint. This would usually give you pain in your back. However, there is a very common condition called somatic referred pain.
What did I take for pain before spinal fusion?
In the months leading up to my surgery, I primarily used ibuprofen for pain relief. I took 800 mg 2-3 times a day to manage both pain and inflammation. It worked pretty well, but it wreaked havoc on my stomach (an issue which I’m still dealing with today). My doctor prescribed hydrocodone, but I only took it once or twice.
After treatment, patients remain under the center’s spine surgeons’ care through physical therapy and pain management. Patients recover with an emphasis on education in spinal pain and injury prevention, physical therapy and rehabilitation, including exercises and bracing.