Getting ready for back surgery? While Dr. John Regan will handle the procedure itself, how you prepare beforehand can also shape how smoothly everything goes.
Below, your surgical team at Spine Group Beverly Hills in Santa Monica, California, shares nine ways that you can better prepare for your back surgery.
Before anything else, make sure you understand exactly what’s being done and what comes next. Talk to our team about what type of procedure you’re having, how long it typically takes, and what kind of recovery to expect.
We can provide specifics like:
Knowing what’s ahead helps you plan your home life, work schedule, and support system without surprises.
Surgery puts stress on your body, so the stronger and healthier you are going in, the better you’ll do coming out.
Focus on the basics:
If Dr. Regan recommends prehabilitation (physical therapy before surgery), take it seriously. Prehabilitation can decrease your body’s response to surgical stress.
When you get home from surgery, the last thing you want is to struggle with everyday tasks. So, set up your home so it works for you post-surgery.
You may want to:
If stairs are unavoidable, talk to your care team about how to manage them safely after surgery.
You may feel nauseous for a day or two after surgery. This is a common reaction to anesthesia. It’s a good idea to keep bland foods (saltines, ginger ale, yogurt, or even instant mashed potatoes) so you have something easy on your stomach.
Protein is especially important for post-op recovery, so be sure to have plenty of protein-rich snacks or prepared meals ready to go. Buying a pack of protein meal shakes is another good option, so you can get nourishment without much effort in the kitchen.
Even if you’re independent by nature, this is the time to accept support. You may need help with driving, meals, childcare, dog walking, or even just getting around the house.
Coordinate with a spouse, friend, or family member ahead of time so you’re not scrambling post-surgery.
Before surgery, you’ll likely need to adjust certain medications. Some need to be stopped temporarily (like blood thinners), while others should be continued.
Pain after back surgery is expected, but manageable. Your care team will give you a plan that may include medications, ice, movement, and possibly physical therapy.
Keep in mind that you won’t feel “back to normal” overnight, but you should notice gradual improvement. Recovery from minimally invasive surgery tends to be smoother than open surgery.
Pro tip: Use an app or notepad to keep track of all your medications and dosages. Some apps can set reminders to help you take your medications on time.
Surgery can bring a mix of relief, anxiety, and even doubt. All of this is normal.
Focus on what this surgery is helping you move toward, whether that’s less pain, more mobility, better quality of life, or simply playing more with your pets or grandkids.
Your surgical team will give you specific instructions leading up to the procedure. These may include showering with antibacterial soap, avoiding certain foods or drinks, and arriving at a specific time.
Back surgery is a big step, but it’s also a turning point. If anything is unclear, ask Dr. Regan. It’s always better to double-check than to guess.
If you’re considering back surgery (or need a second opinion), call 424-238-3281. You can also schedule an appointment online.
