Do’s and Dont’s After Spine Surgery
Are you getting ready for back surgery? Look to the postop future and follow these tips for a successful recovery.
Patients after surgery need to prepare for rehabilitation which helps to reduce their postoperative pain and enhance their recovery if they embrace the changes necessary to optimise healing.
We understands that surgery can be a stressful experience for patients, so the entire team of Arneja Heart and Multispeciality Hospital works closely with them through the entire process. This recovery part after surgery is very crucial.
After your surgery, you will feel more comfortable and have a better quality of life, but the outcomes of the surgery largely depend on what you do &what you not after the surgery .
Do’s after spine surgery
Watch out for Infection
People often forget the fact that infections can result from any type of surgery while they are focused on healing. If the incision site is red, swollen, or draining along with fever, it may be an infection. Take prescribed medications and keep the incision site dry & clean to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Take medication properly
It is important to take medication from time to time as directed by the doctor. This will help prevent dependency or overdosing. If you can’t manage your pain with the prescribed amount of medications you are taking, consult your doctor but never take your own medication.
Wear a brace
In addition to physical therapy, your doctor may recommend wearing a brace. Back braces help stabilise the spine, particularly while sitting and walking. Your doctor may recommend wearing the brace as often as necessary to maintain stability.
Physical therapy
Spine surgeons often recommend physical therapy following surgery. It is important to follow the instructions of your physical therapist to learn how to perform activities accurately without pain and without endangering your spinal health.
Do Move Regularly
Following any orthopaedic surgery, movement is beneficial and this applies to spine surgery as well. Moving regularly improves blood circulation, which promotes faster healing. In addition to regular movement, make sure that you are getting adequate sleep as well to help your body heal more quickly.
Don’ts after spine surgery
Don’t Rush
After a surgical procedure, many patients will be in a hurry to return to their normal activities immediately. It’s important to keep in mind that recovery after spine surgery takes a few weeks based on the primary diagnosis and the complexity of the procedure .So one needs to be patient. Inadvertent resumption of work might not be as beneficial as one expects.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking or using any other tobacco products can delay your healing process. Smoking is not a good idea as it would retard healing of the bone and it delays recovery. Lot of long term complications are seen with smoking and tobacco consumption.
Don’t Overdo It
In addition to being patient, you need to avoid overdoing it. You may feel it easy to climb stairs or drive a car a few days after surgery, but don’t do such activities until your doctor says so. This is because such motions exert too much stress on your spine and inhibit your recovery process. You may climb stairs after a few weeks post-surgery, but you should limit yourself to climbing only once or twice per day during the first few weeks.
Don’t Lift or Bend
After surgery, it is advisable not to lift weights for a few weeks to months. Also, avoid twisting your body and bending your waist. If you want to pick up light objects, sit on your knees or squat.
Don’t Ignore Doctor’s Advice
Last but not least, you shouldn’t ignore the advice of your doctor even if you feel some advice is unnecessary. Don’t miss the follow-up appointments which are very crucial to evaluate your recovery process. Always follow your doctor’s advice to speed up your recovery.
These are important do’s and don’ts one should follow after spine surgery. If you have any spine problems consult Arneja Heart and Multispeciality Hospital Today.
