Lower-Back Surgery
While most problems that cause back pain and sciatica can be treated successfully without surgical intervention, sometimes spine surgery is necessary. Listed below are important points you want to know about back pain treatment.
Understand the Procedure
It's important that you understand what procedure you are having preformed and why. Some common spine surgeries include the following:
- Laminectomy
- Discectomy
- Decompression Laminectomy
- Lumbar Fusion
Prepare for Your Surgery |
- Eat right. By eating a balanced diet with vitamin supplements in the weeks before your surgery, you will help to increase the chance for healthy wound healing and reduce the risk for infection.
- Get in shape. Weak muscles and low cardiovascular endurance make recovery from the surgery more difficult.
- Lose weight . More body weight strains the spine and may slow the healing process and increase post-operative pain.
Don't Smoke
Patients who quit smoking increase the likelihood of a successful spinal surgery. Quitting at least one month before surgery can decrease the chance of experiencing serious complications such as problems with anesthesia and post-operative pneumonia.
Get Ready for Recovery
Listed below are a few things common to recovery following spine surgery:
- There will be a surgical dressing over the incision which will be removed several days after surgery.
- The stitches will either dissolve with healing or will need to be removed (usually 7 - 10 days after surgery).
- Everyone's experience with post-surgical pain is different. To keep you comfortable following surgery, a variety of pain relief options are available.
- Patients no longer lie in bed for long periods of time following spine surgery. Brief periods spent walking - usually with staff assistance - promotes circulation, healing, mobility, and a faster recovery.
- The physician will let you know when it is okay for you to leave the hospital.
- The hospital staff will provide a set of written instructions to follow at home. The home care instructions may include information about wearing a back brace, when to begin physical therapy, or how to take prescribed medication.
- The lifestyle changes made while preparing for surgery (diet, exercise, and smoking cessation) will continue to be important after leaving the hospital. To ensure a quick recovery and avoiding future spine problems, commit to maintain these healthy habits.
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