Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach to pre- and post-operative spinal recovery by addressing inflammation, tissue repair, pain management, and by doing so, reduce muscle wasting and promote overall healing so you can get back to your life.
Pre-operatively, naturopathic strategies focus on optimizing nutrient status while you wait for an assessment, and it can also enhance your surgical outcomes. Some key nutrients including vitamin C, zinc, and collagen peptides support connective tissue integrity, while omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin help modulate inflammation. Adaptogenic herbs including ashwagandha and rhodiola may aid in stress resilience, reducing the physiological burden of surgery, and personalized instructions can be provided to guide you as per your healthcare provider’s instructions. Need help with weight loss, smoking cessation and improved sleep, all modifiable lifestyle factors which help optimize your surgical recovery? Are you feeling apprehensive about the surgery and need someone to talk to as you understand this process, and do you want to know about your botanical medicine and non-pharmacological options to complement your current medications and supplements? Have you thought about including medical acupuncture to minimize pain or naturopathic support for you (and your family and caregivers too!) manage varying emotions while you wait for your Neurosurgical assessment? We understand how exhausting and stressful this process is for you and those you love.
Post-operatively, naturopathic interventions promote faster healing of your incisions, reduce pain, and can help reduce complications. Management of your blood sugars and hypertension, as well as receiving help for pre-existing health care concerns, can increase your success. Are you consuming enough high-quality protein-rich foods to support muscle strength? Functional foods rich in magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium enhance bone remodeling, while probiotics support gut health and immune function, particularly after anesthesia and antibiotic use. Botanicals including bromelain and boswellia may help control post-surgical inflammation without the gastrointestinal risks associated with NSAIDs. Botanical medicine alternatives can be helpful for those who do not respond well to pharmaceuticals, or for those who cannot take pharmaceuticals for various reasons.
Acupuncture and hydrotherapy recommendations can further aid in pain management and circulation, supporting your mobility and reducing muscle stiffness.
Lifestyle interventions, including sleep optimization, can enhance parasympathetic nervous system activation, which is crucial for repair.
Naturopathic strategies can be a valuable addition to your Neurosurgeon and Spinal Care Specialist Team’s recommendations, potentially leading to reduced recovery time, improved spinal stability, reduced pain and anxiety, and overall enhanced well-being.
Let’s connect! We are here to help you have a pleasant in-office and virtual naturopathic consultation. Please call the Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area Clinic or email us at naturopathiccare@drjudynd.com. Let us know what times are best to connect with you. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Dr. J. Ancheta Goguen, Naturopathic Doctor 2025
Dr. J. Ancheta Goguen, BSc (Hons), ND 