Post-Microdiscectomy Medication: What You Need to Know
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes a herniated disc from the spine. It can relieve pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression. However, as with any surgery, it also involves some risks and recovery time. This article will discuss what medication is given after microdiscectomy and how it can help you heal faster and more comfortably.
What Is the Purpose of Medication after Microdiscectomy?
The main purpose of medication after microdiscectomy is to manage pain and inflammation. Pain is a normal and expected response to surgery, but it can interfere with recovery and quality of life. Inflammation is also a natural part of the healing process, but it can cause swelling, stiffness, and irritation in the affected area. Therefore, medication can address these symptoms and prevent complications such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.
What Types of Medication Are Given after Microdiscectomy?
The types of medication given after microdiscectomy depend on several factors, such as the patient’s medical history, allergies, preferences, and the severity of the condition. However, some common types of medication that are usually prescribed are:
- Analgesics – These are painkillers that reduce the sensation of pain. They can be either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription-strength analgesics. Examples of OTC analgesics are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Examples of prescription-strength analgesics are opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Opioids are more potent than OTC analgesics, but they also have more side effects and potential for addiction. Therefore, they should be used with caution and only as directed by a doctor.
- Anti-inflammatories – These are drugs that reduce inflammation and swelling. They can also be either OTC or prescription-strength. OTC anti-inflammatories and OTC analgesics are essentially the same, since they both have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Examples of prescription-strength anti-inflammatories are steroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone. Steroids are more effective than OTC anti-inflammatories, but they also have more side effects and potential for complications.
- Muscle relaxants – These are drugs that relax the muscles and prevent spasms. They can relieve muscle tension and stiffness after surgery. Examples of muscle relaxants are cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, and baclofen. Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth.
- Antibiotics – These are drugs that prevent or treat infections. They can prevent wound infections or urinary tract infections after surgery. Examples of antibiotics are cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin. Antibiotics can cause nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. They are a schedule treatment and do not work unless taken with the frequency prescribed by the doctor.
How Long Do You Need to Take Medication after Microdiscectomy?
The duration of medication use after microdiscectomy varies depending on your individual situation and response to treatment. However, some general guidelines are:
- Analgesics – You may need to take analgesics for a few days to a few weeks after surgery.
- Anti-inflammatories – You may need to take anti-inflammatories for a few days to a few weeks after surgery.
- Muscle relaxants – You may need to take muscle relaxants for a few days to a few weeks after surgery.
- Antibiotics – You may need to take antibiotics for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. The dose and frequency may vary depending on your infection risk and tolerance.
When taking any of these medications, follow your doctor’s instructions on how much and how often to take them. The dose and frequency may vary depending on your specific recovery factors and tolerance for the drugs. You should also avoid taking more than the recommended dose or combining different types of medications without consulting your doctor.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Medication after Microdiscectomy?
Taking medication during microdiscectomy recovery can help you heal faster and more comfortably, but it can also have some risks and side effects. Common side effects include:
- Allergic reactions – Some people may have allergic reactions to certain medications, such as hives, rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
- Gastrointestinal problems – Some medications can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach ulcers. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your doctor and adjust your medication accordingly. You can also try to prevent or reduce these symptoms by taking the medication with food or water, avoiding alcohol or caffeine, or using antacids or laxatives as needed.
- Liver or kidney damage – Some medications can cause liver or kidney damage, especially if taken for a long time or in high doses. If you experience any signs of liver or kidney damage, such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain, you should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
- Addiction or dependence – Some medications, especially opioids, can cause addiction or dependence if taken for a long time or in high doses. This means you may develop a physical or psychological need for the medication and experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. If you experience any signs of addiction or dependence, such as craving, tolerance, withdrawal, or loss of control, inform your doctor and seek professional help.
How Can You Use Medication Safely and Effectively after Microdiscectomy?
Medication can be a useful tool to help you recover faster and more comfortably after a microdiscectomy, but it should be used with care and caution. Here are some tips to use medication safely and effectively after microdiscectomy:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Your doctor will prescribe the best type, dose, and frequency of medication for your specific situation. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns. You should also inform your doctor of any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have.
- Use the lowest effective dose – Use the lowest effective dose of medication that can control your pain and inflammation. This can reduce the risk of side effects and complications. You should also try to taper off the medication gradually as your symptoms improve.
- Use non-medication methods – Use non-medication methods to complement your medication use. These include ice packs, heat pads, massage, physical therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, and acupuncture. These methods can reduce pain and inflammation naturally and improve your overall wellbeing.
- Monitor your symptoms – Monitor your symptoms regularly and report any changes to your doctor. This can help your physician evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and adjust it as needed. You should also report any side effects or complications you experience from the medication.
While microdiscectomy marks a significant step toward alleviating pain and restoring mobility, the journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Postoperative care, including the careful administration of medications, plays a pivotal role in the overall success of the procedure. By understanding the purpose and potential effects of each medication, patients can actively contribute to their recovery and make informed decisions in collaboration with their healthcare providers.
Microdiscectomy is less invasive than other types of spine surgery, such as laminectomy or spinal fusion, but medication is still often necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. Although microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of herniation following surgery. This risk is doubled if there is a large hole in the outer ring of the disc. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is performed immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, you may ask your doctor or contact us.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.