emergency
Emergency
Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Emergency symptoms may include chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, loss of consciousness, or another sudden life-threatening concern.
Patient Resources
General Post-Operative Instructions
You will receive instructions specific to your procedure when you are discharged. Follow those instructions carefully, as they take priority over the general guidance on this page.
Urgent Concerns
For an urgent post-operative concern, call the spineTECH clinic—not the surgery center.
If you call outside regular business hours, the answering service will contact the appropriate physician regarding your immediate concern.
General Recovery Guidance
Follow the medication, wound-care, activity, and follow-up instructions provided at discharge. The following guidance is general and may not apply to every procedure.
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Take medications as directed
Take pain-relieving and other prescribed medications exactly as instructed. Take medications with food when advised, and do not change the dose or timing without speaking with your care team.
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Avoid unsafe activities after anesthesia or sedation
For at least the first 24 hours after anesthesia or sedation, do not drink alcohol, drive, operate machinery, or sign important legal documents. Follow any longer restriction provided at discharge.
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Control swelling as instructed
Use ice only if it was recommended for your procedure. Keep ice packs from leaking onto the dressing, and never place ice directly against the skin.
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Follow activity restrictions
Rest and follow the lifting, walking, driving, positioning, and activity restrictions provided by your surgical team. Do not begin exercise or physical therapy until your provider says it is appropriate.
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Keep the incision and dressing protected
Keep the dressing clean and dry and follow the wound-care instructions provided at discharge. Do not remove or replace the dressing unless instructed.
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Eat and drink appropriately
Drink adequate nonalcoholic fluids and follow any dietary instructions provided by your care team. Contact the clinic if nausea, vomiting, or poor intake prevents you from taking medication or staying hydrated.
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Attend follow-up care
Schedule and attend follow-up visits as directed. Bring questions about pain, wound care, medication, activity, therapy, or returning to work.
Contact Your Care Team Promptly If You Notice
- Increased drainage from the incision
- Increasing redness or warmth around the surgical area
- Swelling that is worsening or not improving as expected
- Foul odor from the incision or dressing
- Fever above 101°F, unless different instructions were provided
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, coldness, or pale or bluish fingers or toes
- Sudden calf pain or swelling
- Increasing pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan
- New difficulty walking, urinating, or controlling the bladder or bowels
- Any symptom that is rapidly worsening or concerning
Questions About Your Recovery?
Call the clinic if you are unsure about medication, wound care, activity restrictions, follow-up, or whether a symptom requires attention.