Spinal Surgery in Costa Rica

Spinal surgery is any surgical procedure performed to correct possible structural abnormalities. Surgeons can move, fix, decompress, and, if necessary, replace vertebral structures through spinal surgery. This is only considered when conservative, non-surgical treatments have not worked and the pain remains persistent, preventing patients from living a normal life and reducing their quality of life. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery are spinal deformation, compression of the spinal cord, herniated discs, and tumors of the spinal cord, cauda equine syndrome, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

There are numerous types of spinal surgery. The type of surgery you will receive depends on your disease or injury, the location, the level of damage, as well as your own characteristics. Some of the most common types of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Spinal fusion – during spinal fusion, your surgeon will join spinal bones (vertebrae) together to prevent pain caused by their movement against each other.
• Discectomy – your surgeon removes part of or the entire disc that slips out of place presses on a spinal nerve, and cause back pain.
• Laminectomy – most commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery involves the removal of parts of the bone, ligaments, or bone spurs in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and ease the pain.
• Disc replacement – your surgeon removes the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
• Foraminotomy – bones at the sides of your vertebrae is cut away to widen the space where nerves exit the spine. Like laminectomy, this is done to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve and ease pain.
• Interlaminar implant –a U-shaped device is implanted between two vertebrae in your lower back to ease pressure on your spinal nerves by keeping the space between the vertebrae open. This is a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Costa Rica?

You may need to stay in Costa Rica for at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery to allow for your body to recover and attend follow-up checkups, if necessary. During the follow-up checkup, your overall condition will be monitored and the surgical stitches will be removed. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery depends on the specific disease/injury you have, the type of spinal surgery you underwent, and your overall health. If you are healthy and your job is not physically demanding, you may be allowed to go back to work within 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. However, it takes at least 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal, and healing can continue for at least a year. During this period, there might be some restrictions on your activity. Remember, the recovery period is just as important as the surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Following all the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgical team is important to avoid complications and speed up your recovery process. You may need physical therapy following your surgery, which is aimed to restore the strength of your spine and help you return to everyday activities gradually. In certain cases, you may also need regular checkups. You can choose to undergo physical therapy and/or regular checkup at home in your local hospital if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of spinal surgery, in terms of pain relief, is around 70% to 90%, depending on the type of surgery and the condition treated. The success and safety rate of spinal surgery is higher than it used to be and will continue to increase, thanks to the continuous advancement of spinal surgery. For example, today, many types of spinal surgery can be done minimally invasively. This means that no long incisions are needed, leading to shorter operative and recovery times. Still, there are risks you need to be aware of, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and persistent pain.

Are there Alternatives?

Spinal surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked. If you do not want surgery, make sure to discuss this with your doctor for the best possible alternative. When surgery is not needed, you may take a pain reliever or even try acupuncture to help relieve the pain. 

Spinal Surgery in and around Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America, bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This country is generally regarded as having the most democratic and stable government of all the Central American countries. It charms its visitors with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and steaming volcanoes. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Costa Rica is also famous for its healthcare. Tens of thousands of medical tourists come to this country to take advantage of its world-class yet inexpensive medical care. Most of the medical procedures in the country are 40% to 50% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. Cosmetic surgery and dentistry are the most sought-after procedure, but a growing number of foreign patients also come for orthopedic treatment, bariatric surgery, and eye surgery. 

Popular Parts of Costa Rica

Surrounded by volcanoes and green hills, San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This laid-back and pleasant capital is filled with colonial mansions that have been converted into contemporary galleries, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. The most popular attractions in this city are Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Mercado Central. Those who want to relax under the sun usually visit Tamarindo, which is famous for its beaches. Here, visitors can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, go rafting in the Colorado River, or relax in Playa Tamarindo.

Weather and Climate in Costa Rica

Due to its close proximity to the Equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: the dry “summer” season and rainy “winter” season. The dry season, from January to April, is warm and pleasant. Rain is very unlikely to fall during this season, even in the rainforests. The rainy season, sometimes called the “green season,” is hot and humid. Rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, while the mornings are often sunny. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is spread out throughout the year, but it gets far less rain in September and October.

Getting around in Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main international airport in Costa Rica, located in San José. It has various flights to domestic and international destinations, including Toronto, Mexico, New York, and London. Affordable domestic flights between San José and popular destinations are the fastest way to get around and handy for accessing the more remote areas. Buses are reasonably priced and have an extensive network, but they can be slow. Private and shared shuttles are available, the best way to get around is, however, by renting a car as it gives more flexibility and allows you to access more remote destinations. 

Tourist Visas in Costa Rica

Everyone who wants to visit and stay in Costa Rica is required to have a passport unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries include EU countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Russia, and several other nations. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Colón (CRC) is the national currency of Costa Rica. 1 USD is equivalent to 601 CRC. In some places, such as tourist areas, US dollars are accepted. 
2. Money & Payments: ATMs accepting foreign cards, particularly Visa, can be found in all major cities and small towns. Credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are all accepted in larger establishments. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 
3. Local Language: Costa Rican Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language in Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism is the official religion in Costa Rica, but the constitution provides for freedom of religion. Around 17% of the population is unaffiliated with any religions and around 3% follows either Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Neo-Paganism, or other religions. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Juan Santamaria Day, Guanacaste Day, Assumption, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, Day of the Cultures, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays in Costa Rica.