Instructions for patients

Patient Information before and after spine surgery

1. Overview

Back and neck problems are very common and often related to age-related changes of the spine. Many conditions improve with time and conservative treatment. When surgery is recommended, it is typically because symptoms are persistent, function is limited, or there are clear findings on imaging that match your complaints.

This page explains what you can generally expect before surgery, on the day of surgery, and during recovery. Your personal plan may differ based on your diagnosis and overall health.

2. When Surgery Is Helpful — and When It’s Not Urgent

2.1 Not every spine problem requires surgery

Many episodes of back pain improve over weeks with targeted non-operative care. Depending on your case, we may recommend:

• activity modification and guided physiotherapy

• pain-focused treatments and anti-inflammatory strategies

• image-guided injections (when appropriate)

• rehabilitation programs to support recovery and function

2.2 Reassessment is part of good care

If symptoms do not improve or worsen, reassessment is important. When needed, we can re-evaluate promptly and discuss whether surgery has become the best option.

3. Minimally Invasive & Modern Spine Surgery

Many standard spine procedures can now be performed through smaller approaches, with:

• less tissue disruption

• reduced blood loss

• shorter operative times in selected cases

• earlier mobilization after surgery

Even after complex operations, many patients can return home within days, depending on the procedure and recovery progress.

4. Our Treatment Pathway

4.1 Consultation and decision-making

In clinic, we focus on three things:

• your symptoms and neurological exam

• imaging correlation (MRI/CT/X-rays)

• whether non-operative care has been attempted and optimized

4.2 Shared decision-making

We will discuss:

• the diagnosis in simple terms

• surgical and non-surgical options

• expected benefits and realistic limits

• risks and possible complications

• what recovery typically looks like

5. Goals of Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is intended to improve quality of life and function. It is important to have realistic expectations.

5.1 Main goals

• Reduce pain (back, neck, arm, and/or leg pain)

• Improve walking distance and daily function

• Stabilize gait and posture and reduce fall risk

• Relieve pressure on nerves when nerve compression is the cause of symptoms

5.2 Important reality check

Surgery cannot “reverse age” or stop the natural aging process of the spine. Degenerative changes can continue over time, even after a successful operation. Our aim is to treat the problem causing your current symptoms and limitations.

6. What to Expect After Surgery

6.1 Early postoperative symptoms can temporarily increase

It is common for back and/or leg pain to feel worse for a few days after surgery. This may happen because irritated or previously compressed nerves begin to recover. Some people describe new tingling sensations or temporary sensitivity changes.

6.2 Temporary neurological changes can occur

In some cases, there may be short-term:

• numbness or tingling

• mild weakness

• unusual sensations in the legs

• temporary changes in bladder or bowel control

These symptoms are often short-lived, but they should always be reported to your medical team promptly.

7. Preparing for a Planned Spine Operation

7.1 Scheduling and pre-op planning

Planned inpatient surgery is usually arranged after a clinic visit. A few days before the operation, you may be asked to attend a pre-operative preparation appointment, which can include:

• review of the surgical plan

• anesthesia assessment

• blood tests

• ECG

• X-rays or additional imaging when needed

7.2 Reduce unnecessary repeat testing

If you have medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, lung disease), it helps to bring recent medical reports so we can avoid duplicate testing and keep your hospital stay as efficient as possible.

8. Medication Safety Before Surgery

8.1 Blood-thinning medications

Some medications increase bleeding risk and may need to be paused before surgery. Do not stop these on your own. Always follow instructions from the prescribing doctor and your surgical team.

Examples include:

• antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin-containing medications, clopidogrel-type drugs)

• anticoagulants (warfarin-type medications and other blood thinners)

Timing commonly ranges from 3 to 7 days, but the correct plan depends on the exact medication and your medical history.

8.2 Diabetes medication (Metformin)

If you take metformin, it may need temporary adjustment around surgery depending on anesthesia and kidney function. Your team will provide the correct schedule for your situation.

8.3 Full medication list matters

Please tell us about all medications and supplements, including:

• over-the-counter pain medicines

• herbal products

• vitamins and fitness supplements

Some supplements can also affect bleeding or anesthesia.

9. What to Bring to the Hospital

Please bring the following:

• photo ID

• insurance card (if applicable)

• referral/admission form if required in your system

• recent medical documents (lab results, ECG, imaging reports)

• previous clinic letters and discharge summaries (if available)

• a complete medication list with dosages

• allergy documentation (if you have it)

• relevant medical cards (e.g., pacemaker, implant cards)

• an advance directive (if you have one)

10. The Pre-Admission (Pre-Op) Visit

If surgery is scheduled, a separate pre-admission visit may be arranged in the week before the operation. This visit often takes several hours and may include:

• administrative check-in

• medication review

• blood draw and lab analysis

• ECG

• imaging (when needed)

• anesthesia consultation

• surgeon consultation

• final instructions for admission day

Practical tip: bring something to read and small snacks/drinks if permitted.

11. Day of Surgery

11.1 Fasting instructions are critical

You will receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Following these rules is essential for safety under anesthesia.

11.2 Arrange safe transport and support

Because anesthesia and pain medications can impair judgment and balance:

• arrange for someone to pick you up (when discharge is planned)

• do not drive yourself home

11.3 What not to wear

On the day of surgery:

• remove jewelry (including piercings)

• avoid lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and makeup

• follow specific showering/cleaning instructions if provided

12. Recovery After Surgery

12.1 Early recovery

It is normal to experience:

• stiffness and soreness

• difficulty staying in one position

• fatigue
  These usually improve gradually over the following weeks.

12.2 Healing timeline

Recovery differs by procedure and individual factors. As a general guide:

• light activities often improve over weeks

• some daily tasks may take 1–2 months to feel comfortable again

• deeper recovery can take 6 months or longer, especially after larger operations

13. Activity, Work, and Rehabilitation

13.1 Activity

We usually encourage gentle movement early, guided by your team. Walking is often one of the best first exercises:

• improves circulation

• reduces complications such as pneumonia or constipation

• helps mobility return steadily

13.2 Work

Returning to work depends on your job demands:

• desk-based work: often about 1–2 months (varies)

• light physical work: may take longer

• heavy physical work: may require 3–6 months or work modifications

Always confirm timing with your surgeon.

13.3 Rehabilitation and supports

In some cases, you may need:

• physiotherapy

• structured rehabilitation

• a brace (spinal orthosis)
  These supports can improve comfort and recovery outcomes when indicated.

14. Wound Care

You will receive specific instructions based on how the incision was closed. Follow the instructions exactly and contact your medical team if you notice:

• increasing redness or swelling

• drainage or foul smell

• fever

• worsening wound pain

15. Pain Management & Medications

Pain control helps you move safely and recover well.

• Take prescribed pain medication exactly as directed.

• If side effects occur, contact your medical team — alternatives are often available.

• Do not restart blood-thinners or adjusted medications unless your team confirms it is safe.

16. When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Seek urgent medical attention if any of the following occur:

• pain medication does not control your pain at all

• new or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or severe pain

• loss of control of bladder or bowel function, or inability to urinate

• progressive symptoms in legs or worsening back pain beyond expected recovery

• signs of wound infection (fever, spreading redness, pus-like drainage)

17. Important Notes & Disclaimer

This information is intended for general education and orientation only. It does not replace a medical consultation. Your diagnosis, surgical plan, risks, and recovery timeline must be discussed individually with your treating team.