Tips to Help Your Back Pain after Surgery
Experiencing back pain is a common problem that may be caused by numerous issues like aging, stress, and injury. Conservative treatments such as ice, physical therapy, and heat can help manage the discomfort; most people will recover without surgery. However, your recovery might be one of your biggest concerns if you have to undergo surgery.
Depending on your age, health condition, and injury severity, your recovery time might vary. Some of the most common types of back surgery are spinal fusion, discectomy, laminectomy, and disc replacement. If you have persistent back pain, you might consider having surgery. Your doctor can help you understand the various options available to treat your condition. After you know that you’re going to need surgery, you should start thinking about your recovery. Here are five ways that will help speed up your recovery.
Follow Your Doctor’s Post-Operative Plan
One of the most important steps you can take to reduce the recovery time following back surgery is listening to your doctor’s instructions. Before the operation, your doctor will develop a recovery plan that includes a variety of restrictions that will help you return to your normal activities. However, it’s essential not to go beyond these recommendations, as your body needs time to heal properly. Your doctor will likely recommend a lot of rest, which can be very frustrating for people who used to be physically active. You should remind yourself that healing can be productive, and your doctor will also provide you with medication instructions.
Before you start taking medication, you must understand the exact type of medication you’ll be using and how often it will be necessary. Having a friend or family member help you with your medication can help you keep track of it. The recovery process is gradual, and it can be hard to let go of the negative emotions you’re feeling after surgery. However, focusing on other things can help prevent these feelings from taking over. A positive mindset when it comes to improving your recovery can have significant effects.
Don’t Ignore Your Pain
Although pain is an integral part of the recovery process following back surgery, it’s important to remember that different types of pain mean different things. Before going under the knife, it’s important that you talk with your doctor about the type of pain that you’ll experience. Some types of pain can be completely normal, while others can be complications from the operation.
Prepare Your Home for Optimal Recovery
Depending on the type of surgery that you’re going through, your recovery time following spinal surgery can vary. However, preparing your home ahead of time is helpful to ensure it’s ready to accommodate you after surgery. Not everyone can have a 24-hour friend or relative with them during their recovery, but it’s important that you have a loved one check in on you regularly. This individual will be able to help you with various tasks that you’re unable to do on your own.
Commit to Physical Therapy
You will most likely spend a couple of weeks in physical therapy following spinal surgery to help your body recover. This type of therapy is designed to help you reach your ideal recovery, and it can be very challenging. However, by following the instructions of your therapist, you can improve your recovery time significantly. During physical therapy, your therapist will use movements to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the site of the surgery and the injury. These exercises can also help prevent future problems. After you and your therapist have parted ways, physical therapy will continue to work on your body. However, it’s essential to make sure that you follow your therapist’s instructions and stay on track with your at-home exercises.
Focus on Building Healthy Habits
While you’re recovering, you should avoid creating negative habits, such as overeating and alcohol consumption. These indulgences can hinder your recovery. There are a few healthy habits that you can adopt following spinal surgery. Your body will need additional calories to help it heal after spinal surgery; these don’t necessarily need to come from sweets and fatty foods. Instead, focus on nutritious food options such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Your doctor may suggest taking vitamins and supplements, which you can implement into your diet; protein shakes and smoothies are also great options. You should drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
Although these are some general tips you can use to address your back pain, it’s important to connect with a doctor first. They will be able to diagnose and treat your condition and can help you get on the road to recovery.
