Activity Precautions. No matter what type of back surgery you're undergoing, and no matter how well controlled your pain is, it's vital that you avoid bending, lifting, and twisting. Bending from the waist, lifting more than 10 pounds, and twisting your torso all put undue pressure on your vulnerable spine.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
While wiping, bend from the knees rather than at the hips. A long- handled device may help to reach all areas. 4. The use of pre-moistened, flushable wipes is strongly recommended.
The right way to sleep after back surgery
The best position to sleep in after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, placing a pillow below your knees or lying sideways with a pillow between your bent knees.
Another way to sleep after spinal fusion surgery is on your side. Just like sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side helps reduce pain and pressure. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine's alignment.
Short-term bed rest is a well-documented primary and adjuvant method of treatment for spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. Two days of bed rest is usually sufficient for the treatment of acute low back pain [7].
Your stomach is going to be sensitive after surgery, and you may not be able to process dried or dehydrated foods as much as you usually can. Avoid eating dried fruits, beef jerky, and some potato chip varieties.
Nerve recovery can take a year or more after spinal surgery to return to baseline levels of nerve sensitivity. The nervous system requires thousands of repetitions and hours to make these changes. It's similar to the process of learning to play an instrument or developing a new skill.
Drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated fluids (at least 40 oz per day), provided that the physician has not restricted fluid intake for another reason. Prune juice and apple cider (not apple juice) are also excellent natural laxatives. Eat foods that are naturally high in fiber to stimulate the intestines.
At Home: Personal Hygiene
You'll need to keep the surgical area dry for a few days post-surgery. Your nurse will tell you when you can shower. Baths are usually off-limits for a while. Use a shower chair or stool.
After surgery, avoid sitting in soft chairs and on couches where your hips drop below your knees. If a chair is too high for you, place your feet on a small stool or box to help maintain correct sitting posture. Take frequent breaks by standing up and stretching every 30 to 45 minutes.
While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it's best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks.
Perhaps one of the most common permanent restrictions caused by spinal fusion is a loss in spinal flexibility and range of motion; this happens because the fused portion of the spine is completely rigid, and while some patients maintain enough spinal flexibility above and/or below the fusion site to not notice a ...
It is common for patients to lose a little weight during and after spinal surgery. Optimal nutrition is a vital component to the healing process after spinal surgery.
For example, a short robe and/or loose-fitting T-shirt and loose fitting shorts or pants. Proper footwear for walking after surgery, such as shoe-like slippers that have a rubber sole, walking shoes with rubber soles, or the hospital slippers that will be provided for you.
You'll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it's likely you'll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).
The most common cause of buttock pain after lumbar fusion is hardware failure, which can occur when the metal screws or rods used to hold the bones in place loosen or break.
You may travel as soon as you feel comfortable, but avoid long-distance travel for four to six weeks or until after seeing your surgeon. We advise you to get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips.
Summary. Fatigue is your body's way of telling you that you need to rest. Fatigue is normal following surgery and should improve day after day as your body begins to heal itself.
Recliners can help ease pressure on your lower back, and sitting on something cushioned, such as an inflatable donut pillow or hemorrhoid pillow, can make sitting more tolerable. If you're having extensive surgery, you may want to consider renting an adjustable bed for the postoperative recovery period. Shower mat.
It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia. You may continue to be sleepy, and your judgment and reflexes may take time to return to normal.