10 Essential Questions for Your Spine Surgeon Before Surgery

Being well informed going into Spine surgery Los Angeles provides much-appreciated peace of mind. Receiving honest answers to any questions you may have about your procedure can also reduce stress and anxiety that may have an effect on your surgery and recovery.

 1. Why are you recommending this procedure?

Fully understand your surgeon's justification for recommending the procedure. This is also a good time to ask if there are any non-surgical options left to consider.

2. What do you hope to accomplish with this surgery?

Get on the same page as far as expectations. The purpose of some surgeries is to make pain manageable, not eliminate it all together.

3.What specific source of back pain is being treated with this surgery?

Understand what source of pain was identified and how. Back surgery is never exploratory.

4.Can you explain the procedure to me in detail in terms I'll understand?

Some patients feel better when they know specifics. If knowing too many details is likely to make you anxious, however, request an overview instead.

5. What are the side effects and risks associated with this surgery?

No surgery is free of risks. Understand potential risks and compare that with how your quality of life may improve.

6. How many times have you performed this procedure?

No reputable spine surgeon is going to mind inquires about his or her experience. While it's not always possible due to privacy concerns, also ask if you can speak with patients who've already had the same procedure performed by your surgeon.

7. Why are you choosing this particular method of performing this surgery for my condition?

If there's a minimally invasive alternative to your surgery that your surgeon has opted not to recommend, find out why this is the case. Consider seeking a second opinion to determine if you're a candidate for that procedure.

8. Will you be performing the entire procedure?

It's perfectly normal for qualified residents to perform some non-critical parts of spine surgery. If this is going to be the case, ask what part of the procedure they'll be doing and whether or not your surgeon will supervising or assisting.

9. What are the long-term expectations associated with this surgery?

With fusion surgery, for instance, there's the risk of needing another fusion at a different location along the spine.

10. How long is the recovery period?

Knowing what you'll likely face post-surgery can help avoid frustration from physical limitations.

Determine who your contact person will be should you have any questions during the at-home phase of recovery.