|  | Conditions Treatments | Skeletal Disorders

Postoperative Care for Back Surgery

Although most back problems don't require surgery, a small number of patients do find themselves facing the procedure. It's normal for patients to wonder about how unpleasant the post-operative experience might be and whether the qualify of life after surgery will be the same. Fortunately, basic care and therapy can help make the process easier and less debilitating.

  1. In the Hospital

    • Expect a degree of unpleasant side effects from the surgery for the few few days, which may include nausea, vomiting and pain, often treated with IV fluids and pain medications. Get up and walking as soon as possible to avoid blood clots, and try moist heat, gentle exercise, massage, short rest periods and frequent repositioning to help with pain and stiffness. If a walker or cane is required in the short term, a nurse or therapist will show you how to properly use the device. Do a little bit more activity each day, including personal hygiene, getting up and down more frequently and walking.

    Going Home

    • Arrange to have someone take you home and bring pillows and a blanket so you can ride more comfortably in an upright position with the seat belt fastened. Once home, be mindful of one of the home's greatest danger zones, the bathroom: keep incisions dry by avoiding tub baths, swimming and hot tubs until your doctor says otherwise, following his instructions about when to return to have stitches removed; use nonslip surfaces in the bathroom, a long-handled sponge or brush, a hand-held shower hose and sit on a bath bench while you shower. Use ice and heat therapy: apply ice the first few days after surgery and then alternate with a heating pad or wrap. While in bed, avoid positions that angle your spine, especially the fetal position; use a firm mattress with enough pillows to support your head, shoulders, trunk, and legs.

      To get in and out of bed, use the log-rolling technique by rolling on your side. While sitting, choose firm surfaces with a pillow behind your back. Avoid bending, lifting, or carrying heavy objects until your doctor gives the go-ahead.

    Long-Term Care

    • Plan on a recovery that is slow and gradual, from 5 or 6 weeks to a few months. Recovery times are faster for young patients in good physical condition and much slower for people who smoke and are overweight or out of shape. During this time you should be gradually working your spine and muscles more, following the instructions or your doctor or physical therapist (PT). Maintain a positive attitude, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest to help shorten recovery time. Check with your doctor about exercise and when to begin a regular program. In studies where participants began exercising four to six weeks after surgery, they had less pain and more functioning than non-exercisers at the end of treatment. (See Resources.)

Skeletal Disorders - Related Articles