Back surgery is a significant intervention that can help alleviate chronic back pain and improve the quality of life for many patients. However, the journey to recovery doesn’t end in the operating room. There is an important part called ‘rehabilitation’.
Post-surgical rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring mobility, strength, and function. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of rehabilitation after back surgery.
Step 1: Understand Post-Surgical Pain
Post-surgical pain is a common occurrence after back surgery, and it is important to understand that this pain is a part of the healing process.
However, if the pain persists or worsens over time, it may indicate a problem, such as lingering inflammation, irritated tissue at the surgical site, or an underlying issue, the surgery failed to address.
Step 2: Consult with Your Pain Management Specialist
Once you’ve ruled out infection and other possible surgery complications, consult a pain management specialist.
The specialist can comprehensively assess your post-surgical pain and recommend appropriate pain management techniques. These may include nerve blocks, guided injections, or radiofrequency ablation.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is a procedure that can help manage post-op pain. It involves injecting medication around specific nerves or into the spine to “block” pain signals from reaching the brain.
Nerve blocks can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve, thus alleviating pain. Depending on the type of nerve block, the pain relief can last from several hours to several months. Side effects are usually minimal but may include soreness or bruising at the injection site.
Guided Injections
Guided injections, also known as image-guided injections, use imaging technologies like ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide needle placement. This ensures the medication is delivered precisely where it’s needed.
The injected medication often includes a local anesthetic for immediate pain relief and a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation over time. Although they may cause temporary discomfort, guided injections are generally safe and effective in reducing post-op pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals.
During the procedure, a thin, needle-like tube (a cannula) is inserted through the skin and into the tissue being treated. Then, a probe that produces radio waves is inserted through the cannula. The heat from the probe destroys or “ablates” the nerve tissue, resulting in pain relief.
Depending on your pain levels and recovery progress, you might benefit from minimally invasive pain management methods such as:
- Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS): Spinal cord stimulation involves the use of a device that sends low-level electrical signals to the spinal cord or specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
The stimulator is surgically placed under your skin and is connected to thin wires (leads) that carry the electrical pulses to your nerves.
SCS is highly effective at managing chronic pain conditions, including post-surgical pain.
- Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulators:DRG stimulation is a newer form of neuromodulation therapy that targets the dorsal root ganglion, a cluster of nerves found along the spinal column.
Like spinal cord stimulators, DRG stimulators work by delivering electrical pulses to interfere with the transmission of pain signals.
Step 3: Begin Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often a cornerstone of rehabilitation after back surgery. A physical therapist will design a personalized program to improve your mobility, flexibility, and strength. The program usually involves a combination of exercises, stretches, and other therapies.
Step 4: Maintain Regular Follow-ups
Regular follow-up with your back surgeon is essential to monitor your recovery progress and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed. It is also a good idea to regularly follow up with your pain management doctor to discuss your post-op pain and adjust your pain management plan.
Step 6: Practice Self-Care at Home
Finally, taking care of yourself at home is paramount in your rehabilitation journey. This includes following all post-operative care instructions, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and gradually returning to normal activities as advised by your healthcare provider.
Back Doctor in Melbourne, FL
It’s important to note that each person’s recovery journey is unique, and following the guidance of your healthcare team is crucial for quick recovery.
At Central Florida Spine & Pain, we’re dedicated to helping patients manage post-surgical pain and regain their quality of life. Our back doctor, Dr. Nicholas Giordano, offers a comprehensive range of minimally invasive pain management methods and interventional pain management procedures for effective post-surgical pain management.
To know more about our back doctor or to schedule a consultation with us, contact our friendly staff today at (321) 802-5021 or use ouronline appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
