Considering Back Surgery? Here Are a Few Things You Should Know

March 25, 2016, on Articles | Share

Making the decision to have back surgery is often not easy. In fact, it is usually an individual’s last resort after all other possible treatments have been tried. While it is true that back surgery may provide substantial relief for some, not everyone will experience improvement after surgery.

That being the case, it is important for those considering back surgery to understand the benefits and risks ahead of time. Always consult with your physician regarding any questions or concerns you may have prior to surgery, as this information is provided as a research source and is not intended to replace medical advice.

Back Surgery: What Type of Surgery Do You Need?

There are several kinds of back surgeries, all of which come with their own set of benefits and risks. Below are two common types of surgery.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy typically involves the removal of bone spurs, portions of bone, or ligaments from the back. Doing this is intended to relieve the pressure on the nerves in the spine that are causing an individual pain. Nonetheless, laminectomies can cause spinal instability that could ultimately lead to the need for a spinal fusion.

Spinal Fusion

When it comes to back pain, spinal fusions are the most common type of surgery. The surgery involves joining (or fusing) the vertebrae together, which limits the amount of motion that occurs between the spine bones and restricts excessive nerve stretching. This kind of surgery is often needed by individuals who have experienced some sort of abnormality of the spine, like a herniated disc, which can put pressure on the nerves and result in incapacitating pain for the individual. While it is true that reduced spinal movement does not limit most people’s activities significantly, there is the risk that the fusion may be incomplete – which means the individual would have to withstand another surgery.

Preparing For Back Surgery

Prior to having surgery, there are a few things you will want to do to help make your post-operation return home as easy as possible. For instance, you may want to consider placing commonly-used household items in a different location, particularly if they are very high up or low in cabinets. Certain items like plates and cups should be placed within easy reach.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to purchase a grabber that can be used to pick up items for individuals who are restricted from bending. You may also find it necessary to purchase a toilet riser, which is typically used by individuals who have trouble sitting or getting up from the toilet after surgery.

After Back Surgery

The amount of recovery time it takes to heal from back surgery varies greatly, as each person is different. For example, the amount of time it takes to recover from a spinal fusion can be anywhere from three to six months, which includes time for rehabilitation, continued wound care and physical therapy.

There are some things you can do to help in recovery, such as avoiding heavy lifting and driving for the first few weeks. It might also be helpful to use ice and heat to ease the pain. Maintaining a healthy diet is also encouraged, as the things that go into the body can have a major impact on one’s healing and recovery.

Let IFN Help You While You Recover From Back Surgery

Injury Funds Now (IFN) has been helping injured victims in Florida and several other states throughout the country secure Florida legal funding to help with the expenses an individual may have while they recover from the incident that caused their back injury. While it is true that you may be entitled to compensation, reaching a resolution to your claim or case could take months, or in some cases, years.

IFN can give you the funds needed to sustain your household as you await the outcome of your case. The application process is easy and there are no hidden fees.  And most importantly, if you do not win your case, you will not be required to repay the money advanced to you! For more information, contact us by calling the Injury Advance Hotline at 1-866-68-FUNDS (36837) or use the online contact form.