Spine surgery can provide you with major relief from pain, while also helping to prevent further issues that could lead to more severe medical complications. Many spine procedures are done on an outpatient basis, which means you will be sent home afterwards to complete your recovery. The following tips will help you with your recovery so you can be back to your old self, but without the spine pain, as soon as possible.
Tip #1: Fill prescriptions ahead of time
You will likely be prescribed one or more medications to begin taking after surgery. Most often these are pain reducers and antibiotics to guard against infection of the surgical site. Ask your doctor about filling these prescriptions ahead of time. The last thing you want to do on your way home from spinal surgery is to wait at the pharmacy for your prescription to be filled. If your doctor advises any over the counter medications for pain management, like Ibuprofen, make sure you also stock up on these ahead of your surgery.
Tip #2: Practice proper sleep habits
Sleeping may be a challenge during recovery, especially if you are normally a stomach sleeper. A proper way to sleep following your procedure is to lay on your back, unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Place a rolled-up blanket under your knees and elevate your head with pillows. To prevent accidentally opening the surgical site, roll out of bed and onto your feet or knees. Attempting to sit up and swing your legs over the side of the bed can pull on the stitches, especially if you do so abruptly.
Tip #3: Learn to use your brace
You will likely have to wear a brace during the early part of your recovery, at least. Pick up the brace ahead of time and learn how to put it on by yourself. Often, the brace resembles in a corset in function, so you will be able to carefully wrap it around your waist and fasten it (typically with velcro). Wear your brace as instructed, especially if you will be sitting for long periods of time. Sitting can be especially painful after surgery if you tend to slump or bend forward, and the brace will help you prevent this.
Your doctor will likely have further instructions, which may include things such as performing light exercise like walking, avoiding long rides in the car, or attending physical therapy.
For more information on recovery after spine surgery, contact a company like Florida Pain Center.