Here are some essential recovery tips that help you recover faster from spine surgery, bulging disc or slipped disc, and many other spinal disorders. These types of surgeries are significant procedures requiring utmost caution and methodology in following up the recovery process.
The proper steps can help you regain mobility and avoid complications. This blog will discuss five fundamental tips for recovering much faster after spine surgery.
These tips, when followed under the guidance of the best spine surgeon in Hyderabad, can improve healing and help you get back on your feet faster.
1. Follow Your Spine Surgeon’s Post-Surgical Directions to the Letter
The first and arguably the most obvious step towards a quick recovery will be to follow your spine surgeon’s post-operative instructions strictly. These recommendations would usually include: –
- Activity limitations: Based on whether the intervention was performed, the patient is usually restricted from activities like bending, twisting, or otherwise straining and lifting heavy weights for some time as pressure to the spinal column is limited and further injury is prevented.
- Pain control: Proper medication intake will likely prevent the development of pain and inflammation in the recovery period. Always take all medications as prescribed.
- Surgical wound care: Keep the surgical area clean and dry to minimize the possibility of developing infections. Your surgeon will prescribe wound care and return appointments.
- Exercise prescription: Although you have to stay in bed for the initial few weeks, after that, your surgeon may encourage you to do some basic exercises to strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility.
You will not suffer from any spine surgery side effects if you follow these post-surgical instructions.
2. Start Physical Therapy as Soon as Possible
After undergoing spinal surgery, such as L4 L5 surgery or bulging disc surgery, physical therapy will form a significant part of your recovery process. After you leave physical therapy, you and your physical therapist will develop a plan of steps for the back care procedure that builds the muscles around your spine.
In some situations, starting physical therapy as soon as possible after being cleared by your doctor can speed up spine surgery recovery time. All these things are included in physical therapy-
- Gentle movements: Your initial visit with the therapist may be light exercises and stretches designed to loosen up your back and increase flexibility.
- Strengthening exercises: Once you recover, your therapist will introduce you to exercises intended to strengthen the core, providing support for the spine.
- Improve posture: An exercise physiotherapist will teach you the proper posture for sitting, standing, or walking, which will avoid injuries and speed up recovery.
Also Read: Office Chair Hurts Your Upper Back
3. Nutritional Healthy Diet for Quick Recovery
Nutrition plays a crucial role in how long it will take to recover from spinal surgery. Optimal foods promote the healing of tissues, reduce inflammation, and give you strength again. Spine surgery, significantly lower back surgery or spine operation, basically requires specific nutrients: –
- Protein: Heals tissues; include lean meats, eggs, legumes, and nuts in your diet to help you heal.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium heals the bone and gives it strength. Dairy, dark leafy greens, and fortified foods are all sources of calcium; Vitamin D comes from either the sun or supplements.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Turmeric, ginger, berries, and green tea are some examples of how anti-inflammatory nutrients can reduce swelling and ease pain during this post-operative period.
- Hydration is essential as water aids in the transport of nutrients to tissues and assists in the healing process in general.
4. Sleep Well
Sleep is one of the most critical components of recovery after any kind of spinal surgery. It helps a body repair itself. While you have gone through a spinal surgery or back surgery such as l5-s1 surgery or back surgery, it would be great to heed the following sleep tips that will help in a smooth recovery: –
- Sleeping position: Following surgery on the cervical neck or lower back, how to sleep after cervical neck surgery? Sleeping on one’s back with a pillow under the knees or on one’s side with a pillow between the legs can support the spine and minimize pressure on it.
- Comfortable sleep environment: A spine rest chair is handy to use during the day, but a supportive mattress and pillows are equally crucial for nighttime recovery.
- Sleep as needed: If you fall asleep, avoid being overly energetic. Rest throughout the day, but avoid staying idle for too long, as this will make you feel stiff. Adequate sleep can speed up your back surgery recovery time, and you will recover quickly.
5. Be Patient and Stay Positive
Spine surgery recovery, whether disc surgery or slipped disc surgery, is a long-term process of patience. Sometimes, you may feel that you are recovering very slowly and just want to get back to normal routine activities.
For a quick get well soon after surgery, you need to have patience and trust the doctor’s advice. However, researchers show that recovery should be gradual and will take time and rushing it might cause further complications or setbacks.
Conclusion
Recovery after spine surgery is highly dependent on how you take care of your body and attend to its needs. Concentrating on proper care after surgery, physical therapy, good nutrition, proper rest, and maintaining the right mental attitude will speed up recovery. It’s also crucial that you take precautions for back pain and avoid the risk of surgeries.
If you are searching for the best spine specialist in Hyderabad, Dr Raveesh Sunkara is one of the best surgeons of all time and takes good care of patients. A proper approach will help you recover soon and live a pain-free life.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from spine surgery?
The time it will take to recover from spine surgery depends on the nature of the surgery you underwent and the general state of your condition. Generally, the timeframe to recover post-spine surgery could be a few weeks to months.
How do I attain pain control post-spine surgery?
Pain management is vital in the postoperative period for spinal surgery. Your surgeon will administer medications to you for pain management during your recovery time. Along with medications, physical therapy, proper posture, and rest prove to be very effective.
What should I not do after spine surgery?
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and any such strenuous activity unless your doctor releases you. These activities can strain your spine and may affect your ability to heal quickly.
Can I return to work after spine surgery?
The time you will take to get back to work depends on the type of spine surgery and the nature of your job. Your job may be sedentary, and you’ll be back in a few weeks, but you might take advice from the doctor for that physically demanding job.
How can I quicken my recovery after spine surgery?
Follow your surgeon’s advice, do your physical therapy exercises, eat healthy foods, sleep well, and be positive. Patience is a virtue of the recovery process so always allow your body the time needed to heal correctly.
