Having back surgery can be life-changing for patients who suffer from debilitating chronic back pain that has greatly reduced their quality of life. If you have decided to have back surgery, it is important to prepare for your surgery and recovery period in order to experience a smooth transition from hospital to home and beyond.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for recovery, and it is important that you follow them in order to ensure a successful outcome from your back surgery. You do not want to undo anything that was fixed during the operation.
What Can I Expect While Recovering from Back Surgery?
Here are the main things that you can expect during the recovery and rehabilitation period:
Pain Management
Every operation results in a certain amount of pain while your body recovers, so the surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Take the medication as indicated as long as you feel pain.
Temperature therapy can also help to ease the pain. Apply a towel-covered ice pack to the area in short bursts of time, as this will help to alleviate swelling. Once the swelling subsides, your surgeon will indicate when to begin applying heat to the area in order to facilitate circulation. You do not want to apply heat while the area is swollen, as this can make the swelling worse.
Sleeping Positions
Sleep and rest are a critical part of recovery. Your body needs sleep to repair itself and heal, especially after an invasive procedure like back surgery. When your body is resting, the cells can naturally focus on repairing the surgical area.
Because your back is still vulnerable while it is healing, there are limitations to movements and positions following surgery. For instance, bending and twisting are not recommended.
When you sleep, you need to find a position that won’t hurt your back. Surgeons usually recommend sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, or sleeping on your back with your head and shoulders elevated.
Use Assistive Devices
Your physician will prescribe the use of assistive devices for an easier and more comfortable recovery from back surgery. Everyday activities such as walking, showering, getting dressed, and using the bathroom will require the use of handlebars, a walker, or a cane.
Use your walker or cane when you move about your house. It is also recommended to install assistive devices in the bathroom such as handles, a shower chair, and a raised toilet seat for your safety and comfort.
Stick to Your Rehabilitation Program
When recovering from back surgery, your rehabilitation program will include specific stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises as your physical therapist will show you. Not only will you feel better when you exercise and stretch, but you will also experience greater natural relief from pain and will therefore require less pain medication.
Back Surgery in Denver and Colorado Springs
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive back surgery and other pain-relief procedures of the spine. We will help you prepare for surgery and will answer any questions you may have regarding the surgical procedure and the recovery process.
If you have any questions about our practice or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly team today by calling Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. Don’t wait another day to receive the treatment that will allow you to return to the activities you love most.
