Back Surgery Complications: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that over 500,000 Americans undergo back surgery every year? Although the procedure comes with low risks, it is an invasive procedure. It’s important to know that back surgery complications, unfortunately, exist.

Unless your surgery is an emergency, you should have time to contemplate the complications of back surgery and come to an overall, educated decision on if back surgery is a good option for you. If you’re considering undergoing back surgery, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about back surgery complications.

Discuss With Your Doctor

It is important to discuss your current and previous health conditions with your doctor including any surgeries you have previously undergone. This will provide your doctor with a clear vision of how back surgery will affect you.

Factors that may increase back surgery complications include:

Age
Weight
Allergies
Current medications
Lifestyle choices
Smoking status
Other medical conditions
Osteoporosis

While it is rare for the following complications to take place during back surgery, it’s still imperative to be aware of how these conditions could potentially affect you.

1. Anesthesia Risks

It is very common for patients to be put under general anesthesia through an IV during any surgical procedure. This is so you aren’t aware of the procedure and so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. However, much like any medication, there are risks associated with being put under general anesthesia. These risks can include anything from nausea or vomiting after the surgery to a stroke to a heart attack or even death. While these risks are all very serious, only a small percentage of individuals experience any reactions to general anesthesia.

You can prevent any anesthesia reactions during your back surgery by fully discussing your previous medical history with your doctor and unveiling any negative instances any family members may have had with anesthesia.

2. Risks During The Surgery

The spinal cord and the surrounding nerves are very delicate, which means that there are many risks that can occur during the surgery. These risks can include swelling from the instruments, scar tissues forming, damage to the spinal cord, paralysis, numbness, weakness, dural tears and sexual dysfunction.

3. Risks After The Surgery

Post-operation complications can be very severe. Again, be aware that they are also rare and your doctor will provide you with exercises, medications, and routines to prevent any risks or complications. These risks can include continued pain and numbness, infection, weakness, blood clots, dural tears, spinal leakage, nonunion (failed fusion) and other medical complications such as a heart attack or stroke.