If you've suffered some sort of injury to your spine, an operation from an orthopedic surgeon may be required. You may be nervous about this procedure, but you can ease some of your apprehension by taking these precautions from the very beginning.

Find a Competent Surgeon

As the patient undergoing this type of extensive operation, you have the right to choose whichever orthopedic surgeon you like. This is one of the most important things you could do to ensure a smooth and effective spine operation, in fact. There are several things to look for in an orthopedic surgeon. 

For starters, look for a surgeon that has a lot of experience with the operation you're needing. This specialty experience ensures the surgeon is competent and knows exactly what they're doing based on similar procedures they've completed in the past. It also helps when an orthopedic surgeon is easy to work with, preferably with an easy-going and welcoming personality. 

Use Assistive Devices

After surgery to the spine, your mobility is going to be quite limited. You may still need to do things during the day, though. In this case, you'll want to rely on as many assistive devices as you can until you make a full recovery after surgery.

For example, if you plan on still taking showers, investing in a shower seat may be recommended. This way, you don't have to stand and potentially lose your balance. To get around the house, you may need a mobility scooter or a walker. There are plenty of medical devices that can assist with movement when you're in this vulnerable state.

Be Aware of Potential Complications

Most of the time, spinal surgeries go smoothly. However, you still want to be aware of potential complications. This way, if your body responds in a way it shouldn't after surgery, you'll understand that this isn't normal and can quickly be seen by your orthopedic surgeon.

Your surgeon should give you a list of possible side-effects after the spinal surgery. Look these over carefully. Then, if you suffer a side-effect that's not on this list, you can quickly schedule a follow-up before it's too late. 

Spinal surgery may be necessary for the type of back or neck injury you're dealing with. So that this surgery goes smoothly from start to finish, take your time reading up on it and taking the right steps in the beginning. Then, you can walk into surgery with ample confidence and peace of mind. 

Find an orthopedic office like El Camino Center for Sports Medicine​ to help with your spinal surgery.

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