There are many types of spinal procedures – each used to treat a specific injury or condition of the spine. While these procedures are aimed at reducing back pain, the surgeries themselves can cause pain during recovery. In this article, we are going to discuss a few of the different types of spine surgery procedures, and how to deal with pain as you recover from each.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is perhaps the most common spinal surgery. This procedure is often used to treat nerve issues related to a herniated disc in the spine. During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the back and removes part, or all of the herniated spinal disc. Then, in order to keep the spine stable, the surrounding vertebrae are fused together using surgical hardware like rods and screws, and sometimes with the help of a bone graft.

Spinal Disc Replacement

A total disc replacement procedure aims to accomplish the same goal as a spinal fusion – reducing pain and other issues caused by a spinal disc. But, unlike the fusion procedure in which the adjacent vertebrae are fused together, a spinal disc replacement utilizes an artificial disc to take the place of the removed disc. The benefits of the spinal disc replacement are that it preserves motion better than the fusion. In other words, you can bend, twist, and turn more freely after this procedure.

Pain Management after Spine Surgery

Both of these procedures are minimally invasive. Even so, patients can experience a lot of pain during the days and weeks after a procedure. The surgical wounds take time to heal, and on top of that your body needs to adjust to the changes brought on by surgery. It’s important to work with a pain management specialist to make sure that you have the best recovery possible. After the procedure, your pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain killers, prescription opioids, and other drugs. Additionally, a physical therapy routine can be quite helpful in treating pain and improving your mobility after surgery.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been treating post-op spine surgery patients for over two decades. Our doctors are board certified in pain management, and will work with you to develop a treatment strategy that fits your unique needs. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up an appointment and get back on the road to a pain-free life!