How to Regain Energy & Balance After a Back Surgery

Any type of surgery is a traumatic event for the body, but back surgery can proof especially difficult from which to recover, owing that the musculature of the back is involved in almost any conceivable activity. Proper recovery from back surgery requires a combination approach, employing dietary principles, rehabilitation exercises, and general training to help restore your energy and balance as quickly as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Consume a diet consisting of plenty of calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help recovery from back surgery. This means eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean meat, while avoiding "junk" calories and other types of processed foods. Your body will require superior nutrition to help it effectively recover from surgery, so do not make the mistake of neglecting its nutritional needs by eating sub-par foods.

• 2

  Set up an appointment as soon as possible with your physical therapist to devise a rehab routine for your particular type of surgery. As the back contains a large number of muscle groups, it is impossible to provide a specific set of exercises that will cover all types of back surgeries. Generally speaking, however, your physical therapist will assign you a number of basic unweighted exercises to perform yourself (active range of motion) or with a partner (passive range of motion) to help strengthen your back and restore flexibility and balance.

• 3

  Begin a regular exercise program as soon as you are cleared to do so by your doctor and physical therapist. Engaging in brisk walking following surgery can help your body to increase blood flow to the affected areas, speeding up healing and helping you to increase your overall energy levels. This, in turn, will have a cascading effect that enables you to exercise even more, speeding your recovery that much more. Start with five to ten minutes of walking, building up to 30 minutes or more per session, at least four or five days a week.

• 4

  Do not neglect to take your pain relief medications on time. Pain relief medications and muscle relaxants can help to facilitate a faster recovery by avoiding excess strain on your back muscles, giving them the rest they need to repair themselves following an operation.