Getting Pumped And Prepped For Surgery

A doctor may recommend pain management surgery if non-surgical approaches no longer bring relief. Pain management surgery is common in cases of severe arthritis, chronic lower back pain, or spinal cord disorders. These procedures range from minor, like a spinal cord stimulator (SCS), to more advanced, like a joint replacement or spinal fusion. Choosing to undergo surgery is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. Patients are encouraged to be well-informed about the procedure beforehand. Asking the right questions not only relieves anxiety but also helps patients to prepare, ensuring a more successful process. Ask the healthcare team these 3 questions before making a decision.

1. What are the risks and benefits?

Pain management surgery has fantastic benefits for the right patient. Surgery promises targeted pain relief instead of the general pain management achieved when using pain medication and opioids. This targeted strategy means a better quality of life, improved mobility, and reduced reliance on opioids. Some procedures address the source of the pain, saving the patient from more invasive surgeries. At the same time, no surgical procedure is without risk. Some risks are standard, such as bleeding, infection, severe swelling, or incomplete pain relief. Others can be unique to the procedure. For instance, a potential risk with spinal fusion surgery is non-union or a failure to fuse properly. The medical team will outline possible risks and recommend ways to reduce complications.

2. What does recovery look like?

Many factors influence recovery, but most pain management surgeries follow similar timelines. Non-invasive procedures like SCS or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) only require a few days of downtime. Joint replacements, spinal fusions, and other lower back procedures require at least 3-6 months of recovery. The plan will start with pain management and wound care at home. Patients will need at least 1-2 weeks to manage this stage. Next, patients will begin physical therapy (PT) to restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and manage pain. Here, the benefits will be noticed. At the end of recovery, usually at the 6-month mark, patients will get the maximum benefit of pain management surgery. The recovery plan should be customized based on the patient’s age, health, type of surgery, and responsiveness to surgery.

3. Will surgery completely relieve pain?

Even with the best doctor, pain management surgery cannot guarantee a total elimination of pain, especially in severe cases. However, for many people, surgery is a fantastic option. For instance, managing a severely arthritic knee with pain medication may no longer be effective compared to a total knee replacement (TKR) option. Chronic pain is complex, involving physical, neurological, and psychological factors. During healing, the body can develop scar tissue, which is known to be painful. Surgery may not correct existing nerve damage or may even cause this issue, leading to new pain sensations. People also experience and perceive pain differently. The goal of surgery is to significantly reduce chronic pain by targeting the source, while improving mobility and quality of life.

Get informed, get ready, get surgery

Before undergoing any surgery for pain management, be sure to address any questions or concerns during the initial consultation. The goal is to feel comfortable and confident in the decision. Asking the right questions can help patients weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Pain management surgery targets the root cause and can significantly reduce pain and improve general function. Patients, however, will need to continue with healthy habits and daily pain management techniques. Statistics show that most patients have high success and satisfaction rates. Take the best step that aligns with goals and preferences for a more fulfilling life.