After trying every nonsurgical way to resolve your back pain, back surgery seems like the only option left. Like any surgery, back surgery comes with its list of cons; however, back surgery can also open up an abundance of opportunities for you that your back pain previously prevented. An exceptional orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut can help you get the most benefits out of your back surgery so that you can live your life pain-free! If you need back surgery, the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, can help! At our office, we can ensure that you’ll get top-quality care so you can get back to doing what you love!
Types of Back Surgery
Dependingon your issue, a different type of surgery may be required. Each surgery has varying recovery times. Talk to your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut to discuss which back surgery will work best for you.
- Diskectomy: If you have a herniated disk or a disk has slipped out of place, your doctor may recommend a diskectomy. The surgeon will remove the herniated portion of the affected disk to relieve pain and inflammation of the disk.
- Laminectomy: Pain caused by spinal stenosis can be cured with a laminectomy. This procedure enlarges the spinal canal by removing the bone overlying it. This procedure results in reduced pressure on the spinal nerve.
- Foraminotomy: If a nerve in the spine becomes compressed, it can cause pain. A foraminotomy can help relieve that pain by widening the space in your spine where the nerve exits your spine.
- Spinal Fusion: If you have a degenerative or injured disk, a spinal fusion may be necessary. During a spinal fusion, your surgeon will connect two or more bones in your spine. This procedure will stabilize the spine, relieving pain.
- Artificial Disks: Another option to fix an injured disk is to replace it with an artificial one. Unlike other surgeries, you should still be able to move your spine after this procedure. The recovery time is also usually shorter than other similar procedures.
Your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut can determine which surgery is necessary based on your needs. Sometimes multiple surgeries will need to be performed at once, depending on the severity of your issue. Even with these downsides, the long-term benefits of back surgery make surgery worth it!
Long-Term Benefits of Back Surgery
Back surgery can do more than solve your back problems in the short term. The long-term benefits are a huge motivating factor to get surgery. Some benefits of back surgery include:
- Relief from your pain: The number one reason to get back surgery is to get rid of your back pain. After you recover from the surgery, your back will feel better than ever!
- You can take less pain medicine: After your surgery, you can say goodbye to taking powerful painkillers every day! Your pain will soon dissipate, making all that pain medicine unnecessary. Your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut may still prescribe pain medication after your surgery, but the surgery will drastically reduce your pain after your recovery period.
- Increased mobility: After your surgery, nothing will stop you from bending and stretching your back. As a result, you can become more physically fit as working out won’t be as difficult.
- Your mood improves: A more obscure but equally important benefit of back surgery is a noticeable improvement in your mood. Severe back pain would give anyone a bad attitude, especially if the pain occurs every day. With the relief of your back pain, your mood will improve as well!
- You can go back to work: Another motivating factor in getting back surgery is the ability to go back to work. Without your pain holding you back, returning to the workforce is a possibility.
If you have chronic back pain and tried all nonsurgical treatments available to you, talk to your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut about back surgery! Don’t let your pain hold you back from living your life!
How An Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Connecticut Can Help
If you need back surgery, nothing less than our surgeon can do. Choose the office of Han Jo Kim, MD, for your spine surgery. Dr. Kim specializes in all ailments of the spine, making him the best option for your back surgery. Dr. Kim and his team will make sure you get the best care and help you recover as fast as possible. To schedule an appointment with the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, give us a call or visit our website.
Before you receive spine surgery from orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut, it’s crucial to understand the recovery process to prepare yourself. Making changes in your daily life in advance can help ensure a faster recovery. At the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, we would like to explain what you should expect after spine surgery and give some tips to make spine surgery recovery easier.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
Depending on the type of spine surgery you are going to have, the recovery time can vary. For example, a laminectomy or discectomy can take around 12 weeks to heal. A spinal fusion, however, can take six months to a year to fully recover. No matter which kind of surgery you will have, the recovery steps are generally the same.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before you undergo spine surgery, take some time to prepare your home for the recovery ahead. Your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut will have a list of activities to avoid, so make sure you prepare for them ahead of time. Here are some tips to help make your recovery less stressful:
- Keep everyday items easily accessible – bending and reaching are huge “don’t”s after spine surgery. Make sure your most used items are accessible to you without having to strain your back.
- Ask for help with chores – You won’t be able to do heavy housework after your surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones around you for assistance with helping you with cleaning or laundry while you recover.
- Plan your meals – Standing in the kitchen to make a meal will be difficult after surgery. To avoid that, prepare and freeze meals ahead of time to reheat later. You could also stock up on easy-to-make microwavable meals.
- Buy some handy equipment – Some items may make your recovery more comfortable. Some examples include a grabber device to avoid bending, a shower seat, and a toilet riser.
What to Expect After Spine Surgery
Immediately after waking up, you may feel pain and drowsiness. Your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut will administer pain medication to manage the initial pain you’ll feel after surgery. Your doctor may administer oxygen to help you breathe and request blood tests to ensure that your levels are normal.
Movement is an integral part of recovery. That’s why your orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut will want you to start moving around as soon as you can. A physical therapist will help you sit, stand, walk and teach you how to perform everyday activities without putting stress on your back. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you reach these benchmarks:
- Oral pain medication can keep your pain under control
- You can get out of bed and move without assistance
- You can empty your bladder
- There are no signs of infection at the incision site
Recovering at Home
As you begin your recovery at home, there are some key restrictions that you need to follow:
- No bending your back
- No lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk
- No twisting
- No driving. Car rides should be limited as well.
Keeping those restrictions in mind, avoiding chores that involve bending or lifting is essential.
As you continue to recover, make sure you keep an eye out for these possible symptoms of an infection. If you notice any of the following, call you orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut right away:
- Fever
- Expanding redness at the incision site
- Increasing back pain
- A change in the amount, odor, or appearance of drainage
You should keep the spine straight while recovering, even when you have to sit down or get into bed. By using the log-roll technique, you can get into and out of bed without twisting your spine. Here’s how to do the log-roll technique:
- Sit on the edge of the bed.
- Lie down on your side while bringing your knees up. Your knees should be bent.
- Roll onto your back.
As you gain more strength and recover, you will slowly be allowed to do more activities, such as light chores and walking. Walking can help increase healing by strengthening the muscles supporting the spine. Outpatient physical therapy can help you build up strength.
How We Can Help
Spine surgery recovery may seem frightening, but if you’re in pain, spine surgery is worth it! Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, can give you the care you need so you can get back to doing what you love without pain! Visit our website to learn more about us and to request an appointment!
The lower back is one of the leading concerns in the United States. This pain commonly links back to lifting incorrectly, posture, and constant stress on the lower back. Spine specialist Dr. Han Jo Km is the go-to person for anything and everything spine-related. At our office, we have the warmest smiles and great recoveries. Contact us today for a consultation! We are eager to hear from you. Dr. Han Jo Kim is an exceptional orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut. Book an appointment today and be on the road to a successful recovery!
What is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is referred to as the lumbar region. It is the area of the back that starts below the ribcage. The lumbar spine is a well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together. They provide support, strength, and flexibility. Being such a great and interactive structure it leaves tons of room for injury and pain.
At one point in life, almost anyone and everyone will experience such pain. It is the leading cause of missed work in the United States. But, with proper care and treatment, it can get better on its own.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back injury is often caused by overuse and it being super stressed. The most common cause happens to be incorrect lifting. When you tend to lift with bad posture, the muscles in your back tend to be stressed and do not work properly. This often causes a greater load and amount of stress throughout the bones, ligaments, and discs in your spine ultimately leading to injury. Some common causes tend to be:
- Lifting a heavy object
- Twisting the spine while lifting
- Sudden movements that place too much stress on the low back
- Poor posture over time
- Sports injuries
- Past injuries
- Family medical history
It is always important to remember that the amount of weight one can lift varies from gender to gender. These are a few things to keep in mind that can cause injury:
- Excessive tiredness
- Bad posture
- Untidy work areas
- Awkward looks
- History of back trouble
Posture is everything and our spine needs to be thought of and given extra attention. Here is a guide to keeping in mind safe lifting;
- identify the object, plan- Ask yourself does it require an extra set of hands and if it can be reduced in weight?
- Holding the object- Figure out how to where to hold the object from- avoid any sharp edges or anything difficult to grasp.
- Posture- Remember to always lift with the knees and keep your back straight.
- Lifting – Make sure to have a smooth transition, bend your knees, and do not jerk or twist your body
- Walking with a Load- Keep the load as close to your body as possible
- Unloading – When you reach the location make sure to adjust to position.
Self Care for Low Back Pain
Self care is a must when it comes to any or every condition. Basic remedies. Tend to help the individual to practice better routines and also reduce the effects of chronic pains. Some self-care methods include:
- Short rest period
- Activity modification
- Heat & Ice Therapy
- Over the counter medications
Contact Our Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Connecticut
Dr. Han Jo Kim is a reliable, trustworthy provider when it comes to anything related to your spine. He is an exceptional Spine Surgeon specializing in cervical spine and scoliosis surgery. Dr. Han Jo Kim is known for providing a comprehensive approach to all his patients. At our office, we help patients recover from spinal ailments. Our staff helps to provide all the necessary care for a great recovery. We provide services including:
- Cervical Spine Surgery
- Scoliosis Surgery
- Spinal Deformity Surgery
- Many other spine surgeries
Contact us today for a consultation! We are eager to hear from you. Dr. Han Jo Kim is an exceptional orthopedic spine surgeon Connecticut. Book an appointment today and be on the road to a happy recovery!