Back surgery is often the last resort when it comes to treating chronic back pain. Before your doctor recommends it, they will suggest more conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication. Surgery may be the next option if these don’t offer relief, and your exact procedure will depend on your condition.
It’s important to know how long the entire back surgery process takes to help you prepare for it. Let’s find out more and talk about where you can go for outstanding back surgery in Lone Tree, CO.
How Long Does a Back Surgery Process Take?
There is no fixed answer to this question, as many factors will come into play. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.
The length of the process depends on the following factors:
Type of Surgery
The type of surgery you have will determine how long the process takes. Complex surgeries may require a longer time frame than less complicated ones.
Recovery Time
Depending on the type of surgery, you may need several days to weeks for recovery before you can return home.
Rehabilitation
You may need to attend physical therapy or other rehabilitative treatments after staying in the hospital. Therapy can help you regain strength and mobility.
Follow-Up Visits
You may need to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor for continued monitoring and care.
Your doctor will be able to give you a timeline of the entire back surgery process. This will help you plan so you can take the necessary steps to prepare for the procedure and recovery.
The Actual Surgery
As for the actual surgical procedures, the time also varies. Here’s how long some common back surgeries take:
- Spinal fusion – 3-8 hours
- Laminectomy – 1-3 hours
- Discectomy – 1-2 hours
- Artificial disc replacement – 2-4 hours
These average times will depend on your injury or disease, the severity of your condition, and other factors. They may also change depending on the surgeon and their experience.
The time will also largely depend on whether you will need minimally invasive or open surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures may take a shorter time frame and require less intrusive methods for treating back pain. On the other hand, open surgeries are more traditional and may require a longer time frame.
Your doctor will be able to give you more accurate information about the length of your procedure.
Your Hospital Stay
With the surgery complete, you may need to remain in the hospital for a few days while you recover.
The length of your stay depends on the type of surgery you had and how long it took.
For most surgeries, a few days are usually enough for recovery before you can go home. In some cases, your doctor may recommend an extended stay to keep a close eye on you.
During your stay in the hospital, your providers will monitor your progress. They will also provide any necessary pain management or rehabilitative treatments.
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy will be immensely helpful no matter what kind of back surgery you have. It will help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Depending on your condition, the extent of your therapy may differ.
In some cases, you may only need to attend continuous sessions for a few weeks. Other times, you may need to attend physical therapy for a few months or more.
Your physical therapist will aim to promote rehabilitation by:
- Increasing your strength and range of motion
- Improving your posture
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Helping you gain more physical independence
- Utilizing other therapy modalities like massage therapy, ultrasound, and heat/cold therapy
Your doctor may also recommend health education classes or therapeutic exercises if they believe you can benefit from them.
Follow-Up Appointments
After your hospital stay, you may need to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor for continued monitoring and care. At these visits, your provider will:
- Assess your healing progress
- Check for any post-surgical complications
- Answer any questions you may have.
Depending on your condition and recovery, the frequency of your appointments may vary. Your doctor can give you a better idea of how often you’ll need to attend follow-up visits.
Back Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
Do you need back surgery in Lone Tree, CO? Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery is here to help you undergo the best treatment for your condition. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons and neurosurgeons have years of experience in diagnosing and treating a full range of nerve or spine conditions and injuries. We use advanced techniques and procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to treat your spine or nerve condition.
If you have questions about back surgery or our services, you may call our helpful staff at (303) 790-1800. You can also book a visit with our providers using our secure online appointment request form.
For your convenience, we have other offices in Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Parker. We look forward to helping you receive the care you deserve!
