The recovery of the back surgery commences long before you find yourself in the recovery room. If you’ve done each and everything you can prior and post-surgery, then your recovery time should be speedy.
Follow these steps to make sure your body, as well as your environment, is ready to help you cure.
1 . Make an exercise plan:
Although it’s better to avoid too much of exercise after a back injury, exercising will assist to lessen the back pain, increase circulation and improve your mood.
Talk with a physical therapist to make an exercise plan that comprises a combination of strengthening, stretching as well as low-impact aerobic activity. Orthopedic doctors even advice making an effort to move toward a healthier weight as it will lessen the stress on your spine.
2. Feed your body:
The correct nutrients improve your immune system as well as increase the speed of the healing process.
- Consuming foods high in antioxidants and rich in protein assists your body to mend muscle and protect from infection.
- Stay away from sugary foods as well as processed carbohydrates as they raise inflammation.
- Be hydrated by consuming plenty of water.
3. Look for a caregiver:
Your caregiver’s main job is to motivate you. Many patients have to arrange for assistance at home for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Ensure that the person you select is dependable, as well as you are comfortable having them look after you at your worst. Ensure that they know how much you’ll need them. Your caregiver may need to assist you:
- Give support when you get into and out of chairs as well as your bed
- Do grocery shopping, cook meals and eat
- Bathe and freshen up yourself
- Do household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry
4. Regularly walk:
Your main source of exercise after surgery is walking. It lessens the pain and aids the recovery procedure by preventing potential muscle atrophy and blood clots. Anticipate being up and out of bed within 24 hours after your surgery and each day while you are in the hospital.
While being at home, walk as planned indoor route six or seven times every day. Do not walk anywhere you are not sure of the footing. And, as you raise your mobility, make sure: no BLTs (bending, lifting, twisting or stooping/squatting).
5. Cautious while bathing:
Avoid submerging or washing your incision for two weeks post-surgery. Instead, maintain it dry by cleaning up with a washcloth. At the time of your first post-surgery doctor’s visit, your spine physician will check your incision, assess its healing progress and give you further customized instructions related to care and cleaning.
6. Conscious of wound risks:
Your body is exceptionally designed to deal with and heal wounds. Still, sometimes your body has problems. At the time of healing, the area around your incision might become encircled with dead tissue.
This dead tissue does not carry blood to the wound and it is very harmful to the body’s ability to recover as well as create new skin.
Examine the area around your incision for discoloration, aggravation, inflammation or anything that look a bit wrong. Take the assistance of your caregiver or another loved one to help you check your incision for signs of complications.