Patient Guides

Guides for spine surgery preparation, decisions, and safety

Most back and neck pain does not need an operation. When it does, you deserve a clear explanation of why, what to expect, and how recovery will go. These guides cover how to prepare, how to weigh a decision, how to track your recovery, and when to call — the same ground we cover in clinic.

From the practice of Chad Tuchek, MD · Neurosurgeon, Cotton O'Neil Neurosurgery and Spine Center, Topeka, KS. Every guide is reviewed by Dr. Tuchek before it publishes.

Pre-op preparation

1 guide

Getting ready for surgery, on the same schedule we use in clinic.

How to Prepare for Spine Surgery: A Neurosurgeon's Six-Week Checklist

A neurosurgeon's six-week checklist for spine surgery — nicotine, medications, clearances, and home setup, on the schedule we use with patients in Topeka.

Pre-op preparation

More ways to prepare

Patient education, a plain-language look at conditions and procedures, and a second-opinion pathway — sometimes the answer is that the plan you already have is the right one.

Patient education libraryHandouts and instructions, physician-reviewed before they publish.Request a second opinionA careful review of your imaging and plan before you decide.Conditions we treatWhat is causing your symptoms, in plain language.Procedures we performOperating time, recovery, and the alternatives we weigh first.

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The information on this site is general patient education and is not medical advice. Reading it does not create a physician–patient relationship. For urgent symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.