Spine surgery can mark the beginning of a new life. Regardless of the specific procedure, you get done, whether it’s a discectomy, a laminectomy, or spinal fusion, your debilitating symptoms can effectively be eliminated to bring you relief. Most spine surgeries are now performed as outpatient procedures, which means you can go home on the same day of surgery.
Immediately coming home from surgery, you may feel a bit groggy, tired, and pain, which is completely normal. For a smooth recovery from spine surgery, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Here are some tips for you to follow during recovery:
Activity Modification
Following spine surgery, there are certain activities you should avoid doing. For instance, bending, twisting, and lifting are discouraged in the beginning. Running, jumping, and strenuous exercise should also be avoided until your surgeon gives you clearance to do so. You may also have to change your sleeping position to ensure you don’t strain your back.
Take Your Pain Medication
Pain management is very important for a comfortable recovery. Your doctor will prescribe you pain medication right after surgery. Take your medication as directed, but begin to gradually taper off the medication once the pain subsides. You will likely be prescribed stronger pain medications in the beginning when your symptoms are worse. As you heal, you will be instructed to take over-the-counter medications to limit side effects.
Wound Care
Your surgeon will advise you on proper wound care after surgery. You will get post-op care instructions to make it easier for you to follow. Wound care is critical for your recovery. You should regularly clean your wound as instructed and lookout for signs of infection. If you notice redness, bleeding, discharge, or warmth at the wound site, contact your surgeon immediately, as these are signs of a possible infection.
Use an Assistive Device
Depending on the type of surgery you get done, you may be fitted with a brace after surgery. Assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, will be provided to help you move comfortably and safely. In the first few weeks after surgery, you will have limited mobility as you heal. It is important that you move carefully and safely, so you don’t get injured.
Physical Therapy
A good rehabilitation program will always include physical therapy, which will help restore strength and flexibility and improve range of motion. About halfway through recovery, your surgeon will recommend you begin physical therapy. The longer you do your physical therapy exercises, the greater the pain relief you will experience and the shorter your recovery will be. Physical therapy is the best way to get you back on your feet in as little time as possible.
Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our highly-skilled and experienced neurosurgeons specialize in minimally-invasive spine surgery. Our procedures fix all types of neck and back injuries and conditions that cause chronic or debilitating pain and have been unresponsive to conservative treatments.
We routinely perform minimally-invasive microdiscectomies, lumbar fusion, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty, and posterior cervical foraminotomy procedures. Our minimally-invasive procedures allow patients to have shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries.
Visit us today and find out how we can help you. Call Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery at (303) 790-1800 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment now.
