Before you receive spine surgery from Back Pain Doctors Connecticut, it’s crucial to understand the recovery process to prepare yourself. Making changes in your daily life in advance can help ensure a faster recovery. At the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, we would like to explain what you should expect after spine surgery and give some tips to make spine surgery recovery easier.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
Depending on the type of spine surgery you are going to have, the recovery time can vary. For example, a laminectomy or discectomy can take around 12 weeks to heal. A spinal fusion, however, can take six months to a year to fully recover. No matter which kind of surgery you will have, the recovery steps are generally the same.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before you undergo spine surgery, take some time to prepare your home for the recovery ahead. Your Back Pain Doctors Connecticut will have a list of activities to avoid, so make sure you prepare for them ahead of time. Here are some tips to help make your recovery less stressful:
- Keep everyday items easily accessible – bending and reaching are huge “don’t”s after spine surgery. Make sure your most used items are accessible to you without having to strain your back.
- Ask for help with chores – You won’t be able to do heavy housework after your surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones around you for assistance with helping you with cleaning or laundry while you recover.
- Plan your meals – Standing in the kitchen to make a meal will be difficult after surgery. To avoid that, prepare and freeze meals ahead of time to reheat later. You could also stock up on easy-to-make microwavable meals.
- Buy some handy equipment – Some items may make your recovery more comfortable. Some examples include a grabber device to avoid bending, a shower seat, and a toilet riser.
What to Expect After Spine Surgery
Immediately after waking up, you may feel pain and drowsiness. Your Back Pain Doctors Connecticut will administer pain medication to manage the initial pain you’ll feel after surgery. Your doctor may administer oxygen to help you breathe and request blood tests to ensure that your levels are normal.
Movement is an integral part of recovery. That’s why your Back Pain Doctors Connecticut will want you to start moving around as soon as you can. A physical therapist will help you sit, stand, walk and teach you how to perform everyday activities without putting stress on your back. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you reach these benchmarks:
- Oral pain medication can keep your pain under control
- You can get out of bed and move without assistance
- You can empty your bladder
- There are no signs of infection at the incision site
Recovering at Home
As you begin your recovery at home, there are some key restrictions that you need to follow:
- No bending your back
- No lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk
- No twisting
- No driving. Car rides should be limited as well.
Keeping those restrictions in mind, avoiding chores that involve bending or lifting is essential.
As you continue to recover, make sure you keep an eye out for these possible symptoms of an infection. If you notice any of the following, call you Back Pain Doctors Connecticut right away:
- Fever
- Expanding redness at the incision site
- Increasing back pain
- A change in the amount, odor, or appearance of drainage
You should keep the spine straight while recovering, even when you have to sit down or get into bed. By using the log-roll technique, you can get into and out of bed without twisting your spine. Here’s how to do the log-roll technique:
- Sit on the edge of the bed.
- Lie down on your side while bringing your knees up. Your knees should be bent.
- Roll onto your back.
As you gain more strength and recover, you will slowly be allowed to do more activities, such as light chores and walking. Walking can help increase healing by strengthening the muscles supporting the spine. Outpatient physical therapy can help you build up strength.
How Back Pain Doctors Connecticut can Help
Spine surgery recovery may seem frightening, but if you’re in pain, spine surgery is worth it! Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, can give you the care you need so you can get back to doing what you love without pain! Visit our website to learn more about us and to request an appointment!