Spinal surgery is often misunderstood and is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. It can create unnecessary fear and anxiety and ultimately prevent patients from receiving the treatment they need. UVNN is addressing common misconceptions about spinal surgery to help ease patient concerns and help them better advocate for their personal care.
Myth #1: Spinal Surgery is Always Painful
While it is true that spinal surgery can cause discomfort, the pain can be managed with medication and other pain management techniques. In fact, most patients report feeling only moderate pain after surgery, and this pain usually subsides within a few weeks.
Myth #2: Spinal Surgery is Risky
While there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, modern spinal surgery techniques are safe and effective. Advances in technology and surgical techniques have made spinal surgery less invasive, which means less risk for the patient. At UVNN, we rely on minimally invasive, minimally disruptive techniques and technologies to facilitate patient care with the least pain and fastest recovery.
Myth #3: Spinal Surgery Requires a Long Hospital Stay
While some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. This means that the patient can go home the same day the surgery is performed. Prior to discharge, the surgical care team will review discharge instructions with the patient and answer any questions they may have.
Myth #4: Spinal Surgery Means a Long Recovery Period
It is true that some procedures may require months of recovery time, while others require a few days or weeks. The length of recovery time depends on the type of procedure, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. The minimally invasive approach used by UVNN, quickens patient recovery time by requiring only small incisions and lessening the impact to surrounding tissue near the incision site.
Myth #5: Spinal Surgery Results in Loss of Mobility
Though some procedures may require a more lengthy recovery, most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few weeks. Most often, patients are encouraged to perform light activity soon after surgery in an effort to promote healing. A personalized care plan is developed for every patient and will be discussed at their post surgical, follow-up appointment.
Myth #6: Spinal Surgery is Only Used for Severe Cases
People believe that spinal surgery is only performed in severe cases and that other treatment options should be exhausted before surgery is considered. While it is true that surgery is typically a last resort, it can be an effective treatment option for a wide range of spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. Minimally invasive spinal surgery can help to alleviate a patient’s pain and discomfort and provide a long-term, life enhancing solution to many common spinal ailments.
Myth #7: Spinal Surgery Involves Large Incisions
Many modern spinal surgery techniques are minimally invasive, which means that the incisions are small and the recovery time is shorter. In some cases, the surgery can be performed using a small camera and specialized tools, which means that no incision is necessary.
It is important for patients to speak with their doctors about their concerns and to educate themselves about the realities of spinal surgery. Modern spinal surgery techniques are safe, effective, and can provide relief for a wide range of spinal conditions. By addressing common misconceptions about spinal surgery, we can help ease patient concerns and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.