How do you care for someone after spinal surgery?
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Surgeons typically recommend keeping the skin around your incision clean and dry for at least 4 days after surgery. Avoid tub baths until the incision has healed and you are cleared by your surgeon. Pain in the area of the incision is expected immediately after surgery and should subside as healing progresses.
How should I sit after back surgery?
After surgery, avoid sitting in soft chairs and on couches where your hips drop below your knees. If a chair is too high for you, place your feet on a small stool or box to help maintain correct sitting posture. Take frequent breaks by standing up and stretching every 30 to 45 minutes.
How long does it take to get back to normal after back surgery?
It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation). When you wake up after lumbar decompression surgery, your back may feel sore and you’ll probably be attached to 1 or more tubes.
How do you shower after back surgery?
DO NOT shower until 4 days after your surgery or follow the advice your surgical team gave you. After you shower, gently pat the incision dry with a clean towel. Shampoo your hair while you are in the shower. DO NOT take a bath, swim or use a hot tub for at least 2 weeks.
Do and don’ts after spinal surgery?
Don’t Lift or Bend It’s best to avoid lifting anything over ten pounds following surgery. In addition, avoid bending over at the waist and instead bend at the knees or squat when picking up light objects.
Can I use heat on my back after back surgery?
After a few days of recovery have passed, heating pads can be used to keep the back feeling loose and relaxed. This is a great way to restore comfort and reduce soreness and stiffness in the back as you heal.
Do you need physical therapy after back surgery?
Physical therapy after back surgery can be essential to your healing and to strengthening the weak back muscles that likely contributed to your initial back pain and disc issues. Most patients find that they quickly become experienced enough with the exercises so that you can safely do them at home.
Why are my legs so weak after back surgery?
The most common way is due to the mechanical compression of nerve roots, the spinal cord, or the dural sac. They may occur via an expanding, space-occupying process such as a nerve root edema, an epidural hematoma, or via compressor instrumentation.
What should I wear after spinal fusion surgery?
For your comfort, you will want to bring your own toiletries to the hospital. Also pack underwear and comfortable, loose pajamas or nightgowns. You will also need a robe (not floor length), and slippers or soft, low-heeled shoes with closed backs, such as sneakers, walking shoes or loafers.
Can you walk up stairs after back surgery?
Patients are typically allowed to walk up and down stairs after spinal surgery, but this is usually done slowly and under supervision the first few times to make sure that the patient is safe. Older patients may have more difficulty with stairs after larger surgeries.