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Once you have been through the surgery it is time to concentrate on the recovery phase of your treatment. After any kind of major surgery your body must take time to heal damaged tissues so they can return to normal. Depending on the health of the individual recovery can be relatively quick or painstakingly long. No matter how long it takes, it is important you keep a positive attitude towards your healing and set realistic goals for yourself.
Back Surgery Recovery - Plan Ahead
Before undergoing any surgical procedure it is important that you formulate a plan for your recovery and plan ahead. Things you should be aware of may include supplies you will need once you are out of the hospital (you are not going to be running errands for a while). Make sure that you save some extra money if you are not getting full coverage from your employer and book the amount of time off work that you expect to need (you doctor should be able to help you determine this). It is a good idea to schedule some in home nursing care to help you with your recovery. Prepare your family in advance and let them know you will most likely need their help and support during your recovery from back surgery.
Back Surgery Recovery - Don’t Rush it
After your surgery you will be well equipped with all the information you will need which will give you can idea of what to expect. It is extremely important that you follow the guidelines you doctor has laid out for you if you expect to make a full recovery. You must exercise patience when healing - if you push yourself to much you may damage the repairs the surgeon has made which leads to a longer recovery.
Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of your recovery from back surgery. You need to slowly build your core muscles up so they can provide stability to your spine. Depending on the extent of the procedure your therapy may be a short stint, or a long affair. Always stay positive and be reassured that it will get easier.
Physical therapy will also help you learn to properly safe guard your back, especially after a spinal fusion procedure. You will be taught your limitations of what you can and can’t do now that a few of your vertebras have been fused together.
You should devote yourself to your physical therapy and make sure you don’t miss any of your scheduled appointments. For your back to heal properly it is important you don’t ignore your recovery.
Pain After Back Surgery
Pain after open back surgery is a normal occurrence. The pain is mostly caused by either some inflammation in the area, or muscle spasms that can run down your back and into your legs. If a spinal fusion was performed through an autograft bone graft you may feel pain in the area they harvested the bone from (usually in the hip). Most pain after back surgery is a normal thing, although if you feel it is too painful you should discuss it with your doctor and to make sure your recovery is proceeding as planned,