When weighing out the options of surgical procedures, it is important to be knowledgeable about the recovery process. After surgery for an annular tear, there are certain activities that may be more difficult than usual. On the other hand, it is also necessary to consider how your life may be affected without surgery. While it is not possible to predict the progression of an annular tear, several things could happen without surgery.
Working May Become More Difficult
One thing that most people are concerned about is their career– and for good reason. Chronic pain can interfere with concentration and make physically demanding professions quite difficult. While annular tear surgery will require taking some time off work, some people are candidates for minimally invasive procedures that often have shorter recovery times and allow for a quicker return to work than traditional procedures.
You May Need More Help with Daily Activities
Annular tear pain isn’t limited to occurring between nine to five– it can last around the clock, flaring up at inopportune times and making basic daily tasks exceptionally difficult. After your procedure, you may struggle to complete day-to-day tasks that before seemed easy. However, despite the pain, it should go away with time if you follow the instructions necessary for a healthy recovery.
A Medical Emergency May Occur
By itself, an annular tear is not a medical emergency, and it may be possible to manage the condition at home. However, if a torn disc is located near the bottom of the spine, there is a small chance that displaced disk material could compress the cauda equina nerves, leading to a loss of bowel and bladder control and the potential for more serious long-term conditions. Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency that requires urgent surgical treatment.
Reach out to BEST Health System
If you are going through the process of researching surgical options for your annular tear, reach out to our team of experts at BEST Health System and allow us to guide you on your path to recovery! Our skilled medical professionals strive to find you the most effective treatment with the least invasive procedure.
