Your deep core stability muscles provide protection and stability for the spine
Pain is normal after spinal surgery. You’re causing a great deal of damage to your bones, muscles, and ligaments. If the pain doesn’t get controlled, then it could lead to serious issues. Short-term, you may have to endure a more prolonged and unsatisfying hospital stay. It could lead to a longer hospital stay, an increased dependence on opioids, and additional health complications, including chronic pain or blood clots. Two-thirds or more of patients have reported poor postoperative pain management. Doctors can predict the likelihood of excessive pain after surgery by looking at several factors. These include the patient’s age and type.
This is what the University of Calgary researchers did in a Journal of Neurosurgery article, which will be published online on September 20, 2020. The researchers first found seven major factors cuanto cuesta una cirugia de columna associated with poor control of postoperative pain. Next, they created a scoring system to determine who is likely to be affected by it. It was named the Calgary Postoperative Pain After Spine Surgery score (CAPPS). They used the CAPPS to pinpoint which patients were low, moderate, or high risk.
Opioid usage was the biggest predictor. This may not be a big surprise, as previous research suggests that it can cause pain to worsen. Rahul S. Shah, MD, FAAOS from Premier Orthopedic Associates Vineland NJ who wasn’t involved with the study, explains that “if you are on opioid medication for a prolonged period, your perception is fundamentally changed.” The study found that you could feel less pain than other people and that lighter pains, which some people can work through, may affect you more.
Naturally, it is impossible to measure every possible factor associated with pain. This study did not include anxiety, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia. They also admitted that pain is subjective and varies greatly from person to person.
Uncertainty about your treatment can cause more discomfort afterward. You will be better prepared for your recovery if you know what to anticipate. Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon questions. Expect an in-depth explanation. You should discuss with your surgeon the medication you will receive, both before and after the surgery. This includes side effects as well as the possibility of addiction.
When you do this, your heart can handle both the anesthesia as well as the pressures that you put it through”, says Dr. Shah. It may also help to minimize the pain if you’re in better shape. Shah says that if you can, work your way up from walking at 25 to 30-minute intervals, increasing your heart rate by 80 or 90 percent.
Even if you’re healthy and prepared, the pain from back surgery recovery could put you on hold for quite some time. Be prepared. You can accept offers from others to help you with errands and chores. It’s time to rely more on family members, even if that is something you are not used to.