Back pain is a leading cause of disability in the United States. With surgical advances, more people are opting for solutions like minimally invasive spine surgery.
But it’s also true that most cases of back pain resolve with conservative therapies. When that’s not the case and you’re down for surgery, you’ll want to get back in the game as quickly as possible.
That’s why we’re sharing these tips for faster back surgery recovery with our readers.
While there’s much you can do to speed your recovery, there are other factors which must be considered. Age and overall health also impact recovery times. So, your best plan of action is to prepare for surgery by eating well, getting plenty of sleep and exercise and if you smoke – quitting. You’ll heal faster!
Doctor’s orders
After surgery, most people are anxious to get back to living their lives. But your body may not be as eager as you are. It needs time to heal.
Follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. While restrictions on what you can do during recovery may be frustrating, they’re in place for a reason – total healing.
You’ll need a lot of rest, too, so embrace the moment. Treat yourself to good books and make Netflix binges a priority. You’ve got time!
And don’t forget to take your medication as prescribed, sticking to all the instructions which accompany your prescription.
Heed the pain
Pain is a message. When something hurts, you need to pay close to attention to what it’s telling you. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can expect after surgery.
Pain may be telling you that something is seriously wrong (a surgical complication), so be sure to check in about what type of pain is normal for the procedure you’ve had. If you experience anything beyond that, call your doctor. Pain may indicate a blood clot or an infection.
Set the scene
A key aspect of recovery from back surgery is how you set up your home. Setting the scene for your recovery will make things so much easier, as you recuperate.
If your bedroom is upstairs, switch to a sleeping arrangement on the ground floor until you’re ready to do stairs. Ensure that items you’ll be needing are readily accessible from the bed. If that means setting up a table at a feasible height and proximity to the bed, then get it done now. You’ll want to have items like medication, the TV remote, books and water in an easy to reach position.
Your cane or walker should be where you can reach it, should you need to get to the bathroom.
And speaking of the bathroom, a toiler riser and shower chair are supports you’ll be infinitely grateful for, as your body heals.
Do your exercises
Physical therapy is a key component of recovering from back surgery, so do all the exercises you’re given by your doctor or physical therapist. These are not optional. These are what will restore your strength, flexibility and mobility.
Here’s to a successful recovery!