Canal stenosis surgery is elective, but it can be a good option for an individual who continues to experience severe or debilitating pain after several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment. If you’re in this situation and your physician has advised you to consider surgery, you are encouraged to learn as much as you can before you take this important step toward finding the relief you need.

As you focus on how to prepare for your canal stenosis surgery and what it will entail, don’t overlook what may come afterward. Specifically, it’s important to understand that you are unlikely to experience instantaneous results. Proper rehabilitation plays a key role in the final outcome of any type of surgery. Therefore, it’s best to prepare for your recovery period — both mentally and physically — well in advance.

Some ways to assist with your recovery

There are several different types of canal stenosis surgery, and the recovery period associated with each can vary based on the technique performed and other factors. For instance, a full recovery from a traditional open spine procedure could take up to a year or longer, as compared to approximately 12 weeks for a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgical site is accessed through small incisions.

Regardless of the type of surgery you have, your surgeon will provide a complete and detailed set of postoperative instructions designed to promote a healthy and timely rehabilitation. In addition, here are some basic guidelines to follow as you recover from canal stenosis surgery:

• Be active. Start by taking short walks as soon as possible, which can help prevent surgical complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia and constipation.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help ensure that you are well hydrated.
• Eat well. Consume a variety of healthy foods to provide your body with the nutrients and fuel it needs to get better.
• Use medication appropriately. Take any prescribed medications in accordance with your physician’s instructions to help manage your pain and promote restful sleep.
• Care for your surgical site. Clean your incisions as instructed.
• See your physician. Maintain your recommended follow-up appointment schedule, and contact your physician’s office right away if your discomfort significantly worsens, new symptoms develop or signs of infection appear.

USA Spine Care

If you have questions about the canal stenosis surgery options that may be appropriate for you, as well as the type of recovery that you can expect, contact the experts at USA Spine Care. Our surgeons perform minimally invasive spine procedures that are often the clinically appropriate first choice for treating canal stenosis compared to open neck or back surgery.

To learn more about surgical treatment options for canal stenosis, contact USA Spine Care today. We offer a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you may be a candidate for one of our procedures.