Hearing that you are going to have spinal surgery can feel scary; after all, we rely on our spine for our daily movement. And your spine surgeons will give you all the information you need for a successful recovery. But here are a couple of extra tips.
Back pain and back issues are one of the most common complaints for adults, and the more we sit behind computers and crane our necks at screens, the worse that has become. It is estimated that 64% of adults in America experience chronic back pain.
So if spinal surgery is the solution to your issue – whether it be an illness or disease or to solve a minor spinal issue, recovery is one of the most important parts.
Here are a few tips to help you recover well.
Time
The time you need to recover from back surgery will depend on the type of surgery that you are having. And you will have clear guidelines from your surgical team.
Procedures that are more involved might mean you need 12 weeks to heal fully and, in some cases, more than six months. Plus, some rehabilitation and physiotherapy were needed.
One thing that many people will feel is frustration with themselves. Frustration over lack of mobility or that you aren’t healing fast enough.
One of the biggest post-spinal surgery tips is that you need to give yourself time and grace.
Support
Even minor surgery can leave you feeling tired and in need of help. Although most of us like to think that we don’t need help – you must ask for support ahead of your operation. People are happy to help you, and sometimes you should let them.
It might be someone who can drop off some groceries or your best friend who is happy to sit with you and watch a movie when you need to rest.
Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to ask the people who love and care for you for their support.
Nutrition
When you aren’t feeling great, it becomes easy to grab easy food and sometimes take it out a little too often. What you eat will greatly impact the energy your body has to heal. Ideally, you’ll want to have a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet and plenty of water.
Your surgical team might be able to recommend some foods that can help support your recovery too.
Don’t skimp on moving
Your post-op team and the physio will expect you to do the exercises they set you at home, and if you don’t, you will seriously hamper your recovery. Moving as instructed will keep your joints supple. Although you might want to lay down or sit all day, this is a surefire way to hamper your own recovery.
Without regular movement, our bodies become stiff and weak, which means long-term things will be tough.
If you have a lot of back pain, but it’s not the type you need surgery for, here are some tips to help: Lower Back Pain Doesn’t Have To Rule Your Life – The Healthy Voyager.
