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EDISCSCULPTPain Management
Most surgeries are painful in large part because surgeons must create a large wound to access the area being operated on. Skin, muscle, connective tissue, and even bone must be peeled back before the tissue can even be operated on. After surgery, the body must mend this damage; until the wound heals, patients experience pain when moving or even when sitting still.
The healing process is hard on the body in addition to being painful. Because of this, surgeons in all fields are favoring minimally invasive procedures that utilize modern technology such as endoscopic cameras. For example, abdominal surgeons are using laparoscopy to perform many abdominal procedures without opening the abdomen. In the world of orthopedic surgery, laser back surgery allows surgeons to access the spine to treat many common conditions without creating a large wound.
Since the procedure is so much less invasive, little pain management is needed. In general, pain management during an after surgery is as follows:
- During the surgery, a local anesthetic will be applied. You should not feel any pain during the surgery, and in fact many patients find that their symptoms resolve as the procedure takes place.
- A light sedative may also be used during surgery, to keep you calm.
- After surgery, pain can usually be managed with over the counter pain medication such as naproxen sodium or acetaminophen.
- Pain can also be managed using an ice pack and, in some cases, a heating pad.
- Physical therapy will help treat your current pain and prevent future pain.
Lifestyle changes after surgery can also ensure that you do not experience too much pain. Avoid sitting for too long, and chairs without lumbar support. You may want to sleep with extra pillows for body support. Before you undergo surgery, put commonly used objects within reach, and remove rugs that could cause you to trip. This will prevent you from further injuring yourself, or over-exerting yourself.
Choosing Laser Back Surgery
In contrast to laser back surgery, traditional back surgery patients tend to experience considerable pain during the recovery period. A stay of several days in the hospital is required, during which pain management is intensive, and related conditions such as constipation and infection may develop. After returning home, patients usually need prescription painkillers for several weeks. Considerable, extended lifestyle changes are required.
Traditional back surgery is invasive, but it is necessary in some cases. Rare, serious conditions, such as spinal cord tumors, require the physician to have deep and wide access to the spine. On the other hand, most routine spinal conditions can be treated using laser back surgery. Sciatica, herniated discs, spinal arthritis, and other conditions can often be treated with laser surgery and other minimally invasive techniques.
While there may be some mild discomfort during the recovery period, laser back surgery patients do not feel pain during the surgery. Pain during recovery is often less than what patients experienced prior to treatment, and can be easily managed without prescription medication or dramatic lifestyle changes. After recovery, patients are able to return to their previous lifestyle pain-free. Laser back surgery is the clear choice for patients who need spine surgery and want a procedure with as little pain and downtime as possible.
While laser back surgery is a strong option for many people with chronic back pain, it is not right for everyone. To find out more about treatment for your spine condition, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.
info@dattaendoscopic.com