Even the most minor surgery requires a recovery period and recovering from spinal surgery for back pain is a journey you should be mentally prepared to take.
It’s notable that after the first several weeks, patients are generally prepared to begin rebuilding their strength and stamina by slowly re-incorporating activities into their lives. With that said, it’s important to note that some patients experience recovery more slowly. Much depends on the type of surgery you’ve undergone.
Another key factor is that more spinal levels have been worked on, the longer your recovery will take. Let’s review some other factors which impact recovering from spinal surgery for back pain.
Age
The younger you are, the more quickly you’ll recover, as a rule. Your body changes with time and the healing process is also affected, becoming slower.
One reason for this is collagen production. This naturally occurring protein prompts the growth of tissue as well as its regeneration. Collagen supplements taken as a regimen well in advance of surgery and following it are one way to improve your rate of recovery.
Type of Surgery
Different types of surgery require different recovery times. Spinal fusion, for example, takes considerably more time than other surgeries, due to the necessity for existing bone to fuse with grafted bone. Patients need to exercise caution in pursuing strenuous activity for up to a year.
Procedures like spinal decompression and laminectomies are less demanding in terms of recovery time but it’s crucial that you take care, regardless of the kind of surgery you’ve had. In addition, you need to listen to your doctor in this regard.
Rushing recovery can cost you.
Overall Health and Condition
The better your health and physical condition, the more rapidly you’ll heal and recover from your surgery.
To support a healthy and successful recovery, patients should consciously choose to exercise regularly (as directed by your doctor) and eat nutritiously. Your doctor will guide your activities and make suggestions about healthy eating to ensure you’re not overdoing it and that your diet is supporting your full recovery.
Smoking
If you smoke and you’re anticipating back surgery, you need to stop well in advance of your procedure date.
Cigarette smoking impedes healing. Also, quitting in advance of your surgery means less of a struggle in hospital, as you’ll be prepared for going without your habit while you’re in the initial recovery stage.
Quitting smoking is the single more important step you can take toward ensuring a rapid, successful recovery, so please do all you can to put down the cigarettes. You’ll feel better and your healing will be expedited.
Spine Consult NJ
Spine Consult NJ treats all conditions of the spine, offering a wide variety of treatments and therapies, from conservative through surgical. Working with a professional network of clinicians, we create the conditions required to guide you toward a better quality of life and renewed wellness.
Your healing is our goal. Recovering from spinal surgery for back pain is a process. Approaching it with the right attitude and preparation is key.