Myths and Facts About Spinal Surgery

Not all spinal issues require surgery, but in some situations, it’s the best option. Although many people fear spinal surgery, it can have the potential to improve mobility, lessen pain, and help you return to a more normal level of functioning. 

At Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates, our team of experts understands the trepidation some people feel when it comes to spinal surgery. One thing we’ve realized is that myths regarding what to expect when you need surgery on your spine are prevalent.  In this post, we want to present some facts to balance some of the most common myths we’ve heard. 

Myth: Spinal surgery is dangerous

It’s a fairly common belief that any surgery to your spine is dangerous and that you could end up with neurological issues, or other long-term problems. 

Fact: A highly trained surgeon is a safe bet

When your surgeon is a highly qualified and trained expert like Dr. Keppler and his team, you’re in good hands. All surgery carries some risk—even a needle stick carries some risk—but for the most part, you’re safe. 

Our experts do everything possible to reduce your risk and keep you safe. Our goal is for you to be as healthy as possible and in less pain after your recovery than you were in before your procedure.

Myth: Spinal surgery requires a long recovery

Some people worry that they will be out of commission for months or even years after their surgery. 

Fact: Advanced techniques can decrease recovery time

Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, which means your incisions are smaller and your recovery is speedier. This type of modern surgical technique is also more accurate and precise than some older methods. 

Myth: You’ll feel completely better after surgery

Although we want to make you feel as great as you can, we don’t promise that you’ll be completely pain-free after surgery. We can correct some issues, and restore some function, but many complex factors come into play to cause your pain.

Fact: You may need to make some lifestyle changes

Your body weight, physical activity level, diet, and many other lifestyle factors can make a difference in your pain level. You may need physical therapy, need to make ergonomic changes to your work area, or begin practicing some stretching or other exercises to further control your pain after surgery.

Our team will support you following your surgery and help you understand what you need to do to be able to reach the lowest possible level of pain.

Myth: One spinal surgery leads to another

Some people have heard horror stories about one spinal surgery requiring another, and even another after that. 

Fact: We work hard to make sure you only need one surgery

Another benefit of getting guidance from a highly trained specialist is that you get the surgery you need, resulting in that one procedure alone. Just as we can’t offer you a zero-risk surgery because there’s always some risk involved, we can’t say you absolutely won’t need another procedure at some point. 

However, we can tell you that everything our team does is with the goal of correcting your issue in one surgery and with the proper approach and lifestyle changes later. Our use of advanced, precise techniques, the post-surgical support we provide, and our attention to your individual needs are some of the ways we work to make one surgery enough. 

A final thought

If you’ve been told you need spinal surgery, and you aren’t sure, we suggest you schedule an appointment. Some people have encountered the myth that if you see a specialist, they will recommend surgery. We recommend whatever treatment is most likely to work best in your situation, and it isn’t always surgery.

Do you have questions about spinal surgery? Schedule an appointment at Dr. Keppler & Associates today.