Surgery is an effective way to treat many spinal conditions. Since doctors only consider surgery if they deem a patient is healthy enough to withstand the procedure, most spine surgery cases have little to no complications.
However, not everyone knows what to expect while recovering from spinal surgery. Returning to normal life requires extensive work to protect your healing spine and mitigate back pain. Learning what to expect can help you better prepare for your life after an operation.
The Overall Recovery Experience
The spine surgery recovery process depends on the type of surgical procedure done, as well as your overall health. For example, a discectomy or laminectomy involves removing damaged tissue from your spine. As such, you can expect a significant recovery in around three months. For spinal fusion, where surgeons remove diseased discs and fuse the adjacent vertebrae, it can take half a year or more for proper healing to occur.
Generally, the healthier you are before and after the surgery, the faster you will heal. Certain habits, such as smoking, can slow down the healing process. Hence, it is best to avoid any vices during the recovery period.
While back surgery is typically performed to provide pain relief, you should still expect some discomfort during the initial phases of your recovery period. Back pain during recovery happens because your spine and the surrounding soft tissues are healing. As the new tissues grow and heal, it typically stimulates the nerves in the area, causing pain and discomfort.
You may also be unable to access your full range of motion during the first few weeks. Your doctors will advise you to avoid bending or twisting your core to prevent additional stress on your spine. As you grow stronger through physical therapy, you will gradually regain your mobility.
Postoperative Hospitalization
After surgery, medical staff will transfer you to a post-surgical care unit to monitor your vital signs. Typically, you will receive an oxygen mask or tube to help you breathe. You will likely also need a catheter to drain urine. You will also have an intravenous line to deliver fluids, antibiotics, and painkillers. Depending on the procedure, you may have braces to immobilize your neck or back. Given your limited mobility, you may be required to wear stockings to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
You may also receive patient-controlled analgesia, where a device connected to your IV line allows you to self-administer pain medication when needed. The device also self-regulates to prevent overdosing.
Physical Therapy
Medical staff may give you a spirometer to help you with breathing exercises. Aside from building up your lung capacity, these exercises aim to prevent fluid accumulation that might lead to pneumonia.
Rehabilitation exercises start while you’re still in the hospital and can continue even after hospital discharge. Doctors emphasize that you need to start moving as soon as possible to facilitate healing. Your initial exercises consist of basic movements to keep various parts of your body strong. You will also learn how to remove and replace your brace, if necessary.
In the beginning, your therapist will instruct you on how to sit, stand, and lay down safely. You may then progress to assisted walking using crutches or a walker, followed by more complicated movements.
For these movements, it is critical to stop whenever you feel back pain. Speak to your therapist if you are in pain, so that they can properly adjust your therapy routine.
Recovery At Home
Once your condition has fully stabilized, you will be allowed to go home. Prescriptions may include antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. You may also need to go on a high-fiber diet and take stool softeners for bowel movements. Straining in any way can trigger back pain.
You will have to continue your exercises even after being discharged. Depending on your condition, you may also benefit from regular visits to a rehabilitation center. Any exercises you perform at this point will focus on building core strength and mobility by targeting your back muscles.
Low-impact aerobic exercises are also a beneficial exercise option. Walking is highly recommended for the first six weeks to raise your heart rate while training your spine to bear gentle loads. Make sure to know when to stop to avoid back pain.
However, steer clear of exercises that require you to bend or twist your body. You should also avoid lifting objects or pushing items around unless you get clearance from your therapist. When sleeping, you should preferably sleep on your side to keep your spine aligned and avoid back pain.
Eventually, you will reach the point where you can walk twice a day for 30 minutes. After three months, you should have stopped taking pain medication.
Spine Surgery in Colorado
Recovery from spine surgery is not something you can rush. It requires patience as your body slowly heals and transition from the hospital room to your home. Setting your expectations and working with a facility that provides comprehensive care will help you cope with these changes and make your recovery more effective.
With various facilities all over Colorado, Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery focuses on conservative and surgical treatments for spine conditions. We provide exceptional community-based healthcare to meet your needs. You can learn more by calling us at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our online appointment form.
