3 Things to Remember About Spine Surgery
Having spine surgery or surgery around the area can be terrifying! The spinal column and its surrounding area is not only one of the most sensitive areas of the human body, but it also one of the most important. The spine is the center of the body’s central nervous system, playing a key role in relaying messages from the brain to our arms, legs and the rest of our body. Essentially the control center of the body, without the spine functioning, we would lack mobility, proper respiratory function and nerve impulses that control out sensory function. And while surgery on this region might worry you, it is important to understand that the majority of spinal issues are progressive and without immediate intervention or surgical correction, spinal issues have a tendency to worsen and can even advance to much worse conditions. According to Dr. Vikas Varma, considered the best spine surgeon Manhattan has to offer, despite how important back and spine surgery might be, many patients, even those under his care, are still relatively uneducated about these types of procedures. By educating yourself on your own healthcare, we are able to play an active role in our own care, and ensure things go as they should. In addition, when changing doctors, or moving states, as a spinal patient, it is far easier to explain to others procedures that were done on you in the past. Here are a few important things to know about spine surgery.
· Less Invasive Procedures are More Common
According to Dr. Varma, considered the best spine surgeon Manhattan has in practice, spine surgery has seen a tremendous boom over the last decade – and minimally invasive, outpatient procedures in particular. While spinal surgery in general was always needed, in recent years, with amazing advancements being made, doctors are now able to perform minimally-invasive versions of these procedures that allow patients to leave the hospital on the same day – with a far less involved recovery period. Throughout his time as a back pain specialist Manhattan surgeon Dr. Varma has shifted his focus to providing patients with the same high level care, but using far safer and less invasive techniques.
· Make It a Last Resort
Despite being the best spine surgeon Manhattan patients trust for these types of procedures, Dr. Varma preaches to his patients that surgery should ALWAYS be their last resort! No matter how safe or how minimally-invasive the procedure might be, there is always an associated risk and complications will eventually happen. To any top back pain specialist Manhattan patients are far more likely to achieve a successful result using any combination of medication, steroidal creams or injections and physical therapy. For those severe cases however, surgery may be the only option.
· Your Recovery
In years past, one of the major deterrents to spine surgery for patients was the long, painful recovery period. However, as a top back pain specialist Manhattan surgeon Dr. Varma specializes in performing minimally-invasive, outpatient procedures that can drastically limit the recovery time for patients. again, this is dependent on the type of procedure and the severity of your issues, but most patients can be treated with less invasive measures. For more involved, severe procedures, Dr. Varma and his staff will help you through recovery as you may have to stay for a few nights in the hospital’s care.
For more information on spine surgery be sure to contact DR. VIKAS VARMA today.
