Spine Surgery And Opioids
The goal of surgery is to correct a condition in the spine that’s causing chronic pain. Surgery may involve removing a piece of bone or the intervertebral disc. In some cases, the surgeon will have to fuse one or more vertebrae into a stable structure. Surgery does not mean the patient will be immediately pain-free. During recovery, the patient will need some way to manage the pain. Doctors sometimes prescribe powerful drugs called opioids like codeine, morphine, or oxycodone. Opioids are effective but can have addictive qualities. Here are 3 reasons to ask about opioid-free surgery.
1. No luck with conservative treatment
Spine surgery is not the first solution for spinal conditions. Most doctors prefer not to operate on the spine. Before surgery, most patients will have tried a range of non-surgical treatments. Standard treatment procedures include NSAIDs, physical therapy, massage therapy, and hot and cold treatment. In many cases, these techniques can provide excellent relief. A chosen few, however, are not so lucky. If these techniques fail, asking for opioid-free spinal surgery may help.
2. You want to try alternative post-pain management options
Most opioids prescribed after surgery are for pain management. Some patients may want to stay away from opioids and try other means to help with recovery. Using NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for instance, can help. Massage and physical therapy have been shown to have a positive impact on chronic pain. Other effective techniques include anti-inflammatory diets, meditation, and yoga.
3. You want to avoid opioids altogether
The opioid crisis is a concerning situation in America. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates over 10 million people misused opioids in 2019. Because of the effectiveness of prescription opioids, the drugs are often used unnecessarily, which can lead to addiction. This is one of the reasons why over 70,000 Americans die each year. Opioids help with pain management, but some patients may want to avoid the possibility of addiction altogether. The best way to do this is to have opioid-free spine surgery.
Are opioids necessary?
In the past, doctors prescribed opioids more freely before and after surgery. With the ongoing crisis, more doctors are unwilling to prescribe these strong drugs for pain management. Placing a hold on prescriptions may not be a bad thing. A recent study of spinal fusion patients showed that 93% did not need opioids after surgery. These patients did not take opioids before surgery. However, this was dependent on if the patient took opioids before surgery. The results show these powerful drugs aren’t necessary, but patients with opioid dependences will need to be weaned accordingly.
Make the choice that’s best for you.
Deciding on spine surgery is a big step. There are long-term benefits of surgery, but in the short-term, patients must manage pain. Opting for opioid-free recovery can help patients avoid dependency and the dangers that come with excess opioid use. Doctors are more willing to try alternative means of pain management. And with advancements in surgical procedures, drugs are becoming less and less necessary. Have a candid discussion with the spine surgeon about choosing opioid-free surgery.
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
