Back Surgery Complications: Could It Happen to You?
With the advancement of modern medicine, there’s a much greater chance of completing a back surgery procedure — and recovery — without any complications. However, it’s important to understand the most common types of complications, as this allows you to prepare in advance.
Consider the following:
- Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgery, and back surgery is no exception. Symptoms of an infection include fever, redness, and increased pain at the incision site. If you suspect you have an infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Nerve damage: Back surgery can cause damage to the nerves that run through the spinal column. This can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body. In some cases, nerve damage may be temporary and resolve on its own. In other cases, it may be permanent.
- Blood clots: Blood clots can occur after any surgery, including back surgery. Blood clots can cause serious health problems, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of a blood clot include swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected area.
Talk to your surgeon about these potential complications and the steps they take to prevent them. Not only will this provide you with additional knowledge, but it will help to put your mind at ease.
Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.
