4 Ways to Relieve Anxiety about Having Back Surgery

Having some apprehension about spine surgery is completely normal and understandable. On the other hand, being too anxious and fearful could hinder your recovery if a spine-related surgical procedure is the best treatment option for you. If you still have some lingering worries about spine surgery, here are four tips to keep in mind to help you overcome your fears. 1. Get Answers in Person Go beyond getting information online. Ask your surgeon specific questions about your situation. During your initial consultation, you might ask what the procedure will involve, why it's being recommended, and what expectations are realistic for your unique circumstances. If you overlooked some questions you wanted answered during your initial meeting, schedule another consultation just for the purpose of asking questions and discussing any concerns you may have. Doing so could leave you feeling more confident about your procedure. 2. Keep a Positive Focus Serious complications related to spine surgery are rare, as are poor surgical outcomes. Instead of dwelling on what could possibly go wrong, shift your mental focus to the many good things you may have to look forward to as you go through your recovery and see noticeable improvements. For many spine surgery patients, these positive outcomes include:

• Being more physically active

• Getting through daily routines without severe pain

• Spending more time interacting with friends and family members, especially children and grandchildren

• Relying less on medications that have unpleasant or risky side effects

3. Choose a Spine Surgeon You Trust Take the time to choose a spine surgeon you feel comfortable with, not just someone who’s capable of performing your procedure. Did the surgeon take the time to actually answer your questions during your first meeting? Was he or she really listening to you and responding to your concerns? Your answers to these types of questions will determine how comfortable you really are with your surgeon. Also, don't be afraid to get a second—or even a third—opinion. No reputable surgeon will object to you doing this. Lastly, go with your instincts. The more comfortable you are with your surgeon, the more likely it is you’ll have a good experience with spine surgery. 4. Have a Plan for Your Post-Op Needs Before Surgery You're more likely to be fearful if you don't know what's going to happen after your spine surgery. While the outcome of your procedure can't be guaranteed, you can put together a post-op plan based on your anticipated needs. In addition to a commitment to your physical therapy or rehab program, your post-op plan could also involve:

• Ordering your post-op meds in advance

• Arranging for transportation to and from the hospital and help with routine errands, such as picking your kids up from school or shopping for groceries

• Preparing meals in advance that you can easily reheat as you recover

• Cleaning up your home before surgery so you'll have fewer household chores to do as you begin your recovery

If you’re still apprehensive about spine surgery, talk to your doctor or a Los Angeles spine surgeon about non-surgical options you may not have considered. Some patients notice improvements after chiropractic adjustments or acupuncture treatments. Lastly, take comfort in knowing many common spine procedures are done today with minimally invasive and highly precise techniques.

If you’re experiencing severe or prolonged back pain, reach out to the spinal health experts at The Spine Institute. Our experienced physicians are setting the standard for innovative care, including using state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat all forms of neck and back pain. Call one of our friendly representatives today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an appointment.