Questions to ask your doctor about spine surgery

Deciding about spine surgery

What are the different types of spine surgery?

What are the reasons for having spine surgery? Are there any reasons why I should avoid having surgery? Is there any harm in waiting or deciding not to have surgery?

Do the symptoms I am having match up with findings on an MRI scan?

How likely is it that my pain and other symptoms will improve after surgery? Will all my symptoms go away or will I still have some?

Will I be able to do the sports and other activities that I want to after surgery?
Will I be able to return to work?

If I get better after surgery, what is the chance that I will have back pain again in the future?

What are the risks for complications from this surgery?

Schedule An
Appointment

After surgery is scheduled

Is there anything that I can do before the surgery to increase the chance that it will help?

What exercises should I do to make my muscles stronger?
Do I need to lose weight before surgery?
Where can I get help quitting cigarettes or not drinking alcohol, if I need to?
Do I need to see my primary care physician or any specialists before surgery?

What will surgery be like?

How long will the surgery last?
What type of anesthesia will be used? Are there choices to consider?
Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery? What will be done to relieve the pain?

Will I need to stay in the hospital?

How long do I need to stay in the hospital?
What kind of help do I need to have at home after surgery?

Do I need to stop taking any medicines before my surgery?

Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or other arthritis drugs?
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements?
Blood thinner medicines?
Other prescription drugs that my other doctors may have given me?

What should I do the night before my surgery?

When do I need to stop eating or drinking?
What medicines should I take the day of surgery?
What time do I need to be at the hospital?

Who should I bring with me to the hospital?

Will I be able to go home after surgery?

Schedule An Appointment with a physician at our hospital.

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Review Date: 4/3/2018

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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