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What a neurosurgeon wants you to know about back surgery

Find out who really needs it, how to best prepare and what you can do to speed up recovery.


LearnBone & jointBone & joint healthWhat a neurosurgeon wants you to know about back surgery
Who really needs spine surgery?
Traditional surgery vs. minimally invasive spine surgery
Common types of spine surgery
Preparing for your surgery
There are still risks
What recovery might be like

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The prospect of having back surgery can be nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect, from your first doctor's visit through the removal of your final stitch, may help ease that worry.

Knowing your procedure may be performed using minimally invasive techniques, something surgeons aim to do, might also be reassuring. This kind of surgery causes less nearby tissue damage than open surgery, and often results in a shorter recovery, a lower risk of complications and a less painful recuperation.

We spoke with Sabino D'Agostino, DO, a neurosurgeon with Trident Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, to get the details on a variety of back surgeries, as well as tips for preparation and recovery.

Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.March, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.March, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
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