• Home
  • About
    • Promotional Material
    • References
    • Glossary of Terms
    • Disclaimer
  • Key Facts
    • Common Myths – and The Real Facts
  • Back Pain Stories
  • Resources
    • Assessment & Diagnosis
    • Treatment Options
    • Pain Management Resources
    • Recovery Resources
    • When Surgery Is An Option
    • Common Questions About Back Surgery
    • Scoliosis
  • Health Professionals
  • Contact Us
    • Feedback

Surgical Questions

Comment are off

What if the surgery doesn’t work?

29 Oct 2013
Jennifer Edwards

Although most patients notice improvement fairly soon, don’t be too hasty in deciding that your surgery has failed. Some people just recover more slowly than others. As long as the operation hasn’t increased your pre-operative symptoms, you may still be on the right track. But remember: a good surgical outcome needs your active participation. This means using the advice from your doctor and other care providers to resume your activities as soon as you can.

If the surgery doesn’t correct the original problem, or if surgical complications lead to a new problem, there are still treatment options:

  • Sometimes, if the operation was partly successful, non-surgical treatments that didn’t help you before surgery may now be more effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms (see Non-Surgical Treatments and Interventions).
  • Having a second operation is not something most people would like to consider, but it may be the correct choice.

 
There are very few situations that cannot be improved, so don’t give up. Discuss the alternatives with the surgeon and prepare to move ahead (see When Back Surgery Fails).

Social Share

  • google-share

Search

Popular Topics

  • Assessment & Diagnostics (4)
  • Diagnosis (1)
  • Health Professionals (2)
  • Medical Tests (1)
  • Myths and Fact (7)
  • Pain Management (3)
  • Patient Stories (6)
  • Recovery (5)
  • Scoliosis (2)
  • Seek Medical Attention (2)
  • Surgery (6)
  • Surgical Questions (16)
  • Treatment Options (10)

If you have found this website helpful, please consider supporting our charity – the Canadian Spine Research & Education Fund (CSREF).

Make a Donation   More About CSREF

About BackCareCanada.ca

Back Care Canada was developed by health professionals to provide reliable information and advice based on the latest research and expert opinion.

The goal is to help you better manage your symptoms and you make more informed decisions about seeking treatment.

Learn More...

Popular Links

  • About This Website
  • Key Facts about Back and Back-Related Leg Pain
  • Back Pain Stories
  • Health Professionals
  • Resources

Popular Topics

  • Patient Stories
  • Myths and Fact
  • Assessment & Diagnosis
  • Treatment Options
  • Pain Management
  • Surgical Questions

Contact BackCareCanada.ca

BackCareCanada.ca is managed by the Canadian Spine Society.

Canadian Spine Society
PO Box #1053
Markdale ON N0C 1H0

Email: css@spinecanada.ca
Tel: (519) 986-1459
Fax: (519) 986-2656
© 2013 Back Care Canada, all rights reserved. Web Design by Karma Creative Solutions.
  • English
  • Français