Post-Op Instructions by ONE® Brain & Spine Center®

This treatment guide serves to assist patients and their families in determining what to expect before, during, and after spine treatment at ONE® Brain & Spine Center®.

Before your First visit

Please bring all imaging, reports, medication and allergy list, list of any medical problems, and past surgeries to your visit.

Care Team

ONE® Brain & Spine Center® works with a team of experts in neurosurgery. We are affiliated with the Hoag Hospital, a leading hospital in Orange County, so you have access to a network of care providers: oncology, radiation oncology, nursing, social work, case management, chaplaincy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Pre-Surgical Work-Up

We will help coordinate your pre-operative appointments with your primary MD. Your primary MD will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and review your medical history and labs. We will review the reports and results as well.
Some patients will require preoperative EKG, x-ray, and blood work done. Our staff will walk you through your options and explain the process.
You must bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. Please have your allergies listed as well. All medications that thin the blood, such as Coumadin, Advil or Ibuprofen, must be stopped before surgery. No food or liquid can be taken after midnight the night before surgery.

Day of Spine Surgery

Proceed to Hoag Hospital Newport Beach located at 1 Hoag Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663. Bring a book to read or something to do during periods of wait. If you wish, you can have a family member or a friend accompany you to the hospital.

During Spine Surgery

Depending on the type of spine surgery, surgical procedures can last from a couple of hours to most of the day. Family or friends may wait in the designated family waiting room, where they can receive updates during your procedure.

After Your Spine Surgery

After spine surgery, you will typically need to spend one to three nights with us in the hospital. Before being sent home, you will be prescribed medication to help alleviate any pain you may have. If a narcotic is prescribed, the patient should not drink alcohol or operate a car, because this type of medication may cause drowsiness and/or impaired judgment.

Pain Management

Before leaving the hospital, you may be asked to start taking prescribed medications to help relieve pain. Pain medications will help subdue the pain, which may still linger after spine surgery.

Common Concerns

After spine surgery, there are several common concerns for patients, such as pain near the incision site, which is common and will get better over time. Your surgeon may prescribe additional physical rehabilitation therapy or a follow-up treatment for optimal results.
Your neurosurgical team at ONE® Brain & Spine Center® will prepare a personalized plan for you after surgery.
For more information, please call ONE® Brain & Spine Center® at (949) 383-4190 to contact us today!