Most of the population suffers at least one episode of severe back pain at some time in their life. When this condition becomes chronic, and conservative treatments do not improve quality of life, the patient may need to have surgery. There are certain complications and side effects that may occur following lumbar spine surgery, and in this article, we will tell you what they are and what symptoms they have.
Degenerative diseases of the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, or lumbar disc herniation, can cause the lumbar discs to wear out. In some cases, this will mean that surgery is needed.
With any type of surgery, there are associated risks and potential complications or side effects. When surgery is performed near the spine and spinal cord, these complications can be serious.
At Instituto Clavel, we are well-aware of the concerns patients have when facing surgery in an area as important as the spine. For the patient, being informed of the possible side effects of lumbar spine surgery is as important as their preparation for the surgery and knowing what to expect in the postoperative period.
Risks and potential complications after lumbar spine surgery
In medical terminology, pathological conditions that result from having surgery are known as sequelae. The possible sequelae of lumbar spine surgery vary depending on the type of procedure performed, the duration of the operation, the surgical technique used, and the patient's health before and after the operation. Here we list some sequelae that can be common to various types of spine surgery:
- Residual pain. In some cases, this side effect may be temporary and it may go away after a few weeks or months. In other cases, the pain may be chronic and require long-term treatment.
- Neurological complications. Sometimes lumbar spine surgery can result in damage to the spinal nerves that control muscle and sensory function in the legs and feet. This can cause muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the legs and feet. Among other causes, this can occur if the technique is not performed correctly, which is why, at Instituto Clavel, we use minimally-invasive techniques supported with technology to improve surgical precision.
- Infection. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection after surgery. Symptoms of infection may include fever, pain, and symptoms at the incision site such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Pain at the location of the surgery. After surgery, the patient may experience discomfort at the incision site for a few days. This is very common and usually goes away with time.
- Vascular complications. In rare cases, lumbar spine surgery can cause damage to the blood vessels near the spine. This can result in bleeding or formation of blood clots.
- Loss of mobility. Also in some cases, after the operation, the patient may experience some loss of movement in the legs or feet. Fortunately, this is very rare, and thanks to techniques such as the anterior approach, the risk is greatly reduced.
At Instituto Clavel, we take precautions to minimize these risks during the entire process. If any of these symptoms occur, our team is prepared to address it and to ensure that the problem does not go any further.
Lumbar spine surgery: when and how
As we said earlier, lumbar spine surgery can be the most effective treatment for some back diseases, especially when the pain is not relieved by other common treatments.
Depending on the specific case of each patient, the medical team will recommend the appropriate type of surgery. At Instituto Clavel, we are committed to using minimally-invasive techniques whenever possible, because they have fewer risks and patient recovery is faster.
These are some of the surgical procedures that we perform at Instituto Clavel:
- Arthroplasty or disc replacement surgery (ADR).
- Arthrodesis or fusion surgery.
- Lateral approach fusion surgery.
- Sacroiliac fusion.
- Scoliosis surgery.
- Cervical and lumbar microdiscectomy.
- Cervical and lumbar laminectomy or decompression.
You can find out more about these spine surgeries here:
Regardless of the surgical technique used for the lumbar spine operation, the patient needs to pay close attention to the preoperative period. Measures such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking, along with preparatory physical therapy, will make the postoperative period go more smoothly, and reduce the likelihood of complications after lumbar spine surgery.
A good postoperative period is synonymous with an accurate diagnosis, an appropriate surgical technique for each patient, and prompt and personalized rehabilitation. Dr. Guillermo Montes, neurosurgeon at Instituto Clavel, explains in El Confidencial that “the rehabilitation process is essential. We are in favor of getting the patient up and moving soon after surgery and gradually implementing a personalized protocol adapted to the needs of the patient, guided by a physical therapist.”
Physical therapy after lumbar spine surgery
The age of the patient, the type of pathology, the specific surgery performed, and the patient’s physical condition before and after lumbar spine surgery, must be taken into account when it comes to rehabilitation. Our team of physiotherapists at IC Rehabilitation are specialized in spinal rehabilitation, and they work together with our neurosurgeons so they have a clear understanding of the patient’s individual history.
Rehabilitation should always take place under the guidance of a physical therapist. The first stage usually begins with taking short walks every day. In addition, there are certain exercises for the lower back that you can do at home and will help your recovery. Iria Rabell, Director of IC Rehabilitation and physical therapist specializing in advanced manual therapy, explains these exercises in this article:
If you have any questions about lumbar spine surgery or you would like to make an appointment to have your case evaluated, please, don’t hesitate to contact us! We will be happy to help you enjoy a healthy back again and recover your quality of life.
Categories: Spine pathologies, Surgery, Lumbar pain