Recovery and Postoperative Care

Although less invasive than most back surgeries, some patients may experience a moderate increase in their normal pain during the first few days following the IDET^◊ procedure or Targeted Disc Decompression. Ice, anti-inflammatory medications, or pain medications may be prescribed by your physician to minimize discomfort during this time. No housework, lifting or bending should be done. Short walks (15 to 20 minutes) may be advised by your physician, but generally the first few days should be spent resting. Any unusual or new symptoms (for example, fever or numbness) should be reported to your physician immediately by telephone.

 

For the first 4-6 weeks following the procedure, your disc is healing, so you must treat your back carefully. With the advice of your physician, restrict bending, twisting, or heavy lifting. You should also avoid activities like running, biking, golfing, tennis, skiing, etc. Limit your sitting time to tolerable levels and avoid long car rides or airline flights unless absolutely necessary.  

 

You should discuss with your physician your plan to return to work. If your work is sedentary, you can typically return within one week following the procedure. For other job types, the decision will be determined by your physician.

 

Your physician may also prescribe rehabilitation exercises after your procedure. If your fitness schedule prior to the onset of your condition included strenuous exercise, please be aware that you will not be able to return to that same level of exercise immediately. Instead, your recovery exercises will be a moderate level that will be gradually increased as your condition improves. Be sure to ask your physician for a postoperative rehabilitation exercise program.

 

Recovery following RF Facet Denervation is approximately one hour. Because you may receive intravenous sedation during the procedure, it is important that you have someone drive you home. It is recommended that you not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. Further postoperative information will be provided to you by your physician.