Q&A Shoulder Surgery in Guadalajara

Spine surgeries can last from one hour to several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

The process of placing screws into the spine is called spinal instrumentation. Spinal instrumentation is a surgical procedure in which metal screws, plates, or rods are placed into the spine to stabilize it and correct problems such as scoliosis, herniated disc, spinal fractures, among other conditions.

Here are some things that a person who has had spinal surgery should not do:

• Do not engage in activities that may strain or put pressure on the spine, such as lifting heavy objects, bending, or twisting.
• Do not perform activities that may increase pressure in the surgical area, such as sneezing or coughing forcefully.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until cleared by your doctor.
• Do not smoke, as this can delay wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Do not skip follow-up visits with your doctor, as this is important to assess recovery and prevent possible complications.

Lumbar spine surgery is performed to treat conditions that affect the lower back, including herniated disc, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, vertebral fracture, among others. Lumbar spine surgery can be performed using different techniques, including:

• Discectomy: In this procedure, part or all of the intervertebral disc that is pressing on the nerves is removed.
• Laminectomy: In this procedure, the lamina (the bone that protects the spinal cord) is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spinal fusion: In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts or synthetic material to stabilize the spine.
• Disc replacement: In this procedure, the damaged disk is replaced with an artificial disk to restore the height of the disk and maintain the stability of the spine.

When a person has a deviated spine, an abnormal curvature occurs in the spine that can affect its function and appearance. There are several conditions that can cause a curvature in the spine, including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.

Full recovery after slipped disc surgery can take 4 to 6 weeks for some people, while others may take up to several months to fully recover.

Here are some recommended foods after spine surgery:

• Lean protein: Include foods like chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and tofu. These foods will help your body heal and repair tissues after surgery.
• Fruits and vegetables: Foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and speed recovery. Try to include a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Healthy Fats: Some healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Healthy options include olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
• Fiber: Try to include high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to help prevent constipation, which can be a common side effect after surgery.

Some things that a person who has had spinal surgery should not do include:

• Lifting heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing activities that may put too much pressure on your spine. It is important to avoid any activity that may compromise the stability of the spine.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time: Sitting or standing for long periods of time can put pressure on the spine and slow healing. It is important to take frequent breaks and change positions regularly.
• Do strenuous exercise: Although it is important to stay active after spine surgery, it is important to avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that may put too much stress on your back.
• Driving: Most people should not drive for the first few weeks after spine surgery, as they may be taking pain medications that can affect their ability to drive safely.
• Smoking: Smoking can delay healing after spinal surgery and increase the risk of complications.

Some of the care that should be taken after a spinal block includes:

• Rest: After spinal block, it is important to rest for the first few hours to allow the medication to take effect.
• Avoid strenuous activities: It is important to avoid any strenuous or high-impact activity for the first 24-48 hours after spinal block.
• Do not drive: Most people should not drive after spinal block, as they may experience side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness from the medication.
• Watch for side effects: It is important to watch for any side effects after spinal block, such as headache, weakness, or loss of feeling in the extremities.
• Hydrate: Drinking enough water after spinal block can help reduce the risk of side effects and promote faster recovery.

If a herniated disc is not treated, it can cause a variety of symptoms and complications. A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of the disc ruptures and pushes out, putting pressure on nearby nerves. If this pressure is not relieved, it can cause the following:

• Chronic pain: A herniated disc can cause chronic pain in the affected area, which can interfere with a person's ability to carry out daily activities.
• Muscle weakness: Pressure on nerves can cause muscle weakness, which can lead to difficulty walking, moving, or doing daily tasks.
• Tingling or numbness: A herniated disc can also cause tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling in the affected area.
• Urinary incontinence: In severe cases, pressure on the nerves can cause urinary incontinence.
• Permanent nerve damage: If pressure on nerves continues for a long period of time, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can lead to permanent disabilities.

There are some warning signs that back pain may be serious and require immediate medical attention, including:

• Severe and disabling pain: If back pain is so severe that it affects a person's ability to move or perform daily activities, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
• Pain that does not go away or worsens over time: If back pain persists for several days or weeks and does not improve with home treatment, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control: Loss of bladder or bowel control may indicate a serious condition in the spine that requires immediate medical attention. Pain radiating to the arms or legs: Yes spinal pain spreading to the arms or legs can indicate a serious condition such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
• Pain radiating to the arms or legs: If spinal pain spreads to the arms or legs, it may indicate a serious condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
• Fever or chills: Fever and chills may indicate a spinal infection, which requires immediate medical attention.

In most cases, spine surgery is performed to treat conditions that cause pain, weakness, or loss of function in the extremities. If surgery is effective and the underlying condition is corrected, a person may be able to regain their ability to walk and perform other daily activities.

It is recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery before resuming sexual intercourse.

A spinal prosthesis is a medical device designed to replace or repair a part of the spinal column that has been damaged or has lost its normal function. These prostheses are used in patients who have spinal problems, such as herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spinal tumors, vertebral fractures, among others.

Spine fixation devices, such as screws and plates, are often used to stabilize the spine after injury or surgery and can be kept in place for the life of the patient without causing problems.

Artificial disc implants are used to replace a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc and are expected to last at least 10 years or longer in many cases.
However, some studies have reported that artificial disc implants can last up to 20 years or more in some patients.

Some common types of spinal prostheses include:

• Spine fixation devices, such as screws and plates, used to stabilize the spine after injury or surgery.
• Artificial disc implants, which are used to replace a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc in the spine.
• Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty , which are procedures in which cement is injected into the spine to repair vertebral fractures and improve spinal stability.