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Doctor Recommending Surgery For Scoliosis? How To Prepare For Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery

If you've been diagnosed with scoliosis, and the pain is starting to interfere with your life, it's time to talk to your doctor about surgery. There are non-surgical treatments available, but they don't always provide lasting relief. If the non-surgical treatment options you've been using for your scoliosis have stopped working, surgery may be the best treatment now. If you've decided to have surgery for the treatment of your scoliosis, here are four steps that will help you through the process. 

Understand Your Options

If you need surgery to repair the damage caused by scoliosis, you need to understand your options. In most cases, you'll require a spinal fusion for the surgical treatment of scoliosis. But, there are different types of spinal fusions available. Invasive spinal fusions require extended hospitalization and recovery time. This type of surgery also results in noticeable scarring. Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, on the other hand, requires a shorter hospital stay, as well as a shorter recovery period. This type of surgery also leaves you with less noticeable scarring. 

Prepare for the Surgery

If you've decided to have minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of your scoliosis, you'll need to prepare for the procedure. The steps you take to prepare will help to reduce the risk of complications during your surgery. They'll also help to aid in your recovery. If you smoke, you'll need to stop using all tobacco products for at least two to three weeks before your surgery. If you find that difficult, talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program. You should also try to add some light exercise to your daily routine prior to surgery. The added exercise can help to make recovery easier. 

Arrange for Physical Therapy

If you're going to have minimally invasive surgery to repair the damage caused by scoliosis, now's the time to arrange for physical therapy. You'll need to get involved in some guided exercise as part of the recovery process. Physical therapy can help to enhance the recovery period. It can also help you to get your mobility back following surgery. 

Know When to Call the Doctor

If you're preparing for minimally invasive surgery for your scoliosis, you'll need to know when to call the doctor. Your doctor will want to monitor your recovery process. Any signs of infection should be discussed with your doctor. Some of the signs you should be aware of include increased pain or swelling, or foul-smelling discharge from the surgical site. If you develop any of those signs, contact your doctor immediately. 


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