Back Surgery
If you have experienced back problems chances are that you've seen a doctor for the problem at least once in your lifetime. While most people don't require back surgery for their problems, if the pain is severe, surgery may be inevitable. If you have a herniated disc chances are you will require back surgery to have it removed.
A ruptured disc can cause neck pain and tingling to radiate down the arms to the fingers. Discs are cushions that rest between the bones of your neck acting as a shock absorber. When these discs weaken they can tear or even blow out like a flat tire which lets the disc material to herniated or bulge outward. If they bulge, they can push on the nerves giving you nerve problems.
If you have a herniated disc you probably have some pain in your neck, but you may also have a pinched nerve. The pain, weakness and numbness that you are experiencing in your arm and hand is more than likely caused from the pressure on the nerve.
If you and your physician determine that back surgery is your best option to alleviate your symptoms a cervical fusion may be performed in order to stabilize your spine and give you a stronger structural environment.
New technology provides you with option of having thin titanium cervical plates inserted in your spine to replace the damaged disc similar to knee, hip and other joint replacement apparatuses. This surgical treatment has proven to increase the healing turnaround time providing the patient with motion much soon and a much less recovery period.
Wound care after surgery
Most stitches used today do not need to be removed your body simply absorbs them. You will find that numerous pieces of tape align the edges of your wound so that it will remain closed while it heals. You should not take the pieces of tape off they should fall off on their own. When you shower or bathe the wound will get wet and should be patted dry with a clean towel. Your dressings will need to be changed whenever you see that they are soiled.
Movement
Your muscles and deep stitches will take a minimum of 6 weeks to heal. So you should be careful when moving around. You want to avoid injuring your back again. Sitting, standing, walking is okay, but you should climb ladders, vacuum, drive a vehicle, lift heavy objects or participate in athletic events.
Metal detectors
While your new disc is made out of titanium, no worries if you are heading to the airport after your back surgery, titanium does not set off the detectors at airports or by most commercial metal detectors.
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