Repetitive rotational movements, improper posture, and accidents increase the risk of spine problems, such as vertebral dislocation, disc herniation, or spondylolisthesis. If you’re an athlete with spine-related problems, proper surgery can help restore your mobility, relieve pain, and enhance your quality of life. Having a conversation with a spine doctor before surgery allows you to decide on surgery. Here is what you should know when discussing surgery with your spine doctor:
Surgery Goals for Your Condition
A spine specialist who understands the purpose of your surgery can help tailor treatment to address your specific condition. Knowing the surgery goals for your spinal condition may help you evaluate whether the procedure aligns with your priorities. You can focus on achieving desired results, such as pain alleviation, regaining your stability, or returning to sports if you’re an athlete. When you’re clear about the goals of your spine surgery, it becomes easy to confirm whether the procedure targets the particular condition of your symptoms. Some of the goals spine surgery aims to achieve include:
- Stabilizing dislocated vertebrae
- Decompressing spinal nerve roots
- Removing damaged spine tissues like tendons and intervertebral discs
- Correcting scoliosis and other injury-related spinal deformities
Procedure and Its Rationale
A spine doctor who educates you about the reasons for doing the procedure helps you decide between surgical and non-surgical alternatives. Factors like your lifestyle, health, and goals can determine whether you choose spine surgery or non-surgical alternatives. This knowledge may also help you understand how specific spinal surgeries can help you achieve your performance goals. You can know if the surgery you’ll undergo can address your particular condition and enhance your recovery.
A professional spine specialist discusses with you about the particular surgical approach to be performed. These include fusion or instrumentation, minimally invasive, and decompression procedures. Your doctor should explain why they chose a particular surgical approach and how it’ll address the spine condition you have.
Pre-Surgical Preparations and Assessments
Comprehensive pre-surgical assessments and preparations enable a spine specialist to identify potential health risks and prevent potential complications. The evaluations guide the doctors in optimizing your body to make it ready for surgery and healing. Evaluations like neuromuscular assessments, dynamic imaging, and strength testing also help spine doctors tailor the surgical approach to address your condition more effectively. The assessments may also involve blood tests to check your overall health and a review of your medical history. During the medical history review, the doctor may assess your past surgeries to check for spine stability, flexibility, and strength. Pre-surgical preparations your spine doctor may recommend include:
- Fasting for some hours before the procedure
- Arranging post-operative support
- Avoiding certain supplements and medications
- Using antimicrobial soap to reduce the risk of infections
Visit a Spine Doctor Today
Professional spine surgery can help you quickly regain performance after suffering spinal fractures, disc slippage, dislocations, or spinal deformities. A spine doctor can thoroughly assess your condition and optimize your body to maximize outcomes and achieve faster recovery. Book an appointment with a spine surgical expert today to start your treatment journey.
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