5 Steps to Take Before Getting Surgery

Is surgery right for you? That is a tricky question. When it comes to musculoskeletal health, surgery should be your last and final option. Sure there are some cases that surgery is warranted, but there are several steps you should consider before surgery:

1. Try Conservative Care - Especially for people with disc injuries, bunions, carpal tunnel, etc. Conservative care is a great way to reduce pain, change function, and eliminate the need for surgery.

   
   

2. Get multiple opinions - You would be surprised how different doctors have vastly different opinions. So ask around and take the time to get different opinions from different healthcare professionals.

   
   

3. Evaluate the risks / recovery of surgery - People often aim for surgery because they want the “quick fix”. But with every surgery, rehab and physical therapy are involved. In fact, getting surgery might “fix” the issue sooner, but the return to play or function can result in a longer recovery process. Additionally, what are the associated risks of the surgery? Ask your surgeon!

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5. Be consistent with your healthcare routine - have you tried something for two days or two weeks and already given up? Musculoskeletal injuries can take 4-12 weeks minimum to heal. So trying something for 2 weeks even isn’t enough time. Generate a good routine and stick to it!

   
   

6. Try conservative care again - Every chiropractic, functional medicine practitioner, personal trainer, physical therapist, etc. also has various opinions and techniques. If conservative care hasn’t worked in the past, that doesn’t mean it won’t work at all. Try a different provider who has a different mindset than the last.

   
   

If you have tried Steps 1-5 and are still suffering from pain, then surgery is your next best option. AND steps 1-5 has set you up well for a successful surgery!

Do you have an injury that you want another opinion about? Give us a call today at (615)-900-5187 and set up a FREE consultation with our team.

To learn more about how we help musculoskeletal injuries, visit https://www.tennesseebackpaincenter.com/services-1