Preparing for a Discectomy

Preparing for a Discectomy

If you suffer from chronic back pain and feel like you’ve tried everything you could possibly think of, then it may be time to look into alternative treatment options such as minimally invasive spine surgery.

Suffering from a herniated or bulging disc can chronically cause a severe amount of pain. Not only does this problem cause pain, but it can also hinder and reduce your quality of life. More often than not, patients get stuck on one side of the treatment spectrum or another. Some doctors treat herniated discs too conservatively, with minimal intervention, while others may be too aggressive and opt for open surgery too soon. There are other options available to many patients who suffer from a herniated disc. A discectomy may be just the right option for your case.

When you work with any of our doctors here at the Spine INA, we can evaluate your specific situation to see if a discectomy is the right option for you. A discectomy is an endoscopic procedure that allows surgeons to enter your spinal canal and trim back tissue from the herniated disc so that it no longer overflows from the spinal column and pushes on the spinal cord. While it may seem scary at first, a discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that can provide good candidates with a lot of relief. If a discectomy is right for you, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your procedure.

Have Assistance

Before you have a minimally invasive spine surgery performed, you’re going to want to make sure that you have assistance in order to get home and to allow you to rest for a couple of days. A discectomy only takes about an hour and can be done under local anesthesia in our facility. However, depending on where your discectomy is and how you respond to local anesthetics, you may be numb so that you are unable to drive. Most patients are comfortably up and about within just a few days, however, full recovery could take up to a week or two.

Talk with Your Doctor

It’s important to talk with your doctor about medications ahead of your minimally invasive spine surgery. If you have any allergies or are on medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, make sure your doctor is aware in order to avoid any complications. While the risks are small, there are still risks, and bleeding is one of them. Follow the doctor’s instructions for medications and food ingestion prior to your discectomy.

Listen to Your Body

Before and after your surgery, it’s important to listen to your body. Know what your pain levels are like prior, and compare them as you heal in order to get a full understanding of how much the procedure helps. In addition, you’ll want to take it easy after your procedure in order to allow your body to heal. A few days after surgery, you may feel great but make sure to listen to your body so you don’t overtax the healing tissue in your spine.

For the most experienced doctors in minimally invasive spine surgery and discectomies, turn to the surgeons at the Spine INA in New Jersey. Schedule your appointment today.