Supplements to Help Healing After Spine Surgery

The spinal cord is a part of the body that controls your motor function. Spine surgery is typically performed on or near the spinal cord of a person with serious spinal conditions or chronic back pain. Some spine surgeries are minimally invasive while others are more invasive and require rehabilitation or physical therapy. Taking certain vitamins and supplements after spine surgery can aid your body in healing as well as improve your general health post-surgery.

Supplements

• The Colorado Springs Spine Center suggests taking two daily multivitamins as well as several other helpful supplements to promote healing following spine surgery.

  Take one 100 mg vitamin B complex with folic acid tablet daily. Vitamin B complex refers to thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (vitamin B7), folic acid (vitamin B9) and various cobalamins (vitamin B12), a group of essential water-soluble vitamins that are taken to enhance the function of your nervous system and immune system. They also prevent anemia, maintain healthy muscle tone, promote cell growth and enhance brain function. This is especially important after spine surgery since your spine connects your brain and nervous system.

  Take one 500 mg vitamin C tablet daily. According to TheBodyWorker.com, vitamin C can be taken to help heal tissue damage, enhance the immune system and adrenal function, and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C also promotes the formation of collagen which plays an important role in bruise healing after spine surgery.

  Take one zinc supplement daily. Zinc can aid in wound healing after spinal surgery because it protects against infection and boosts overall immunity. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health, zinc deficiency can also delay the healing of wounds. Try to take at least 20 mg of zinc daily.

  Garlic and ginger root supplements are also beneficial. Garlic supplements contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation following spine surgery. Garlic also enhances your immune-system function and improves your circulation. Ginger root supplements also improve circulation and reduce the muscle spasms that often occur after surgery. You should be cautious when taking garlic and ginger root, because they may increase your risk of bleeding after surgery.

  The Colorado Springs Spine Center advises against taking an additional dosage of a vitamin E supplement, because like garlic and ginger root, taking too much vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding. The dosage of vitamin E provided in a daily multivitamin is sufficient.

  If you have concerns about taking a particular supplement be sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Everyone recovers from spinal surgery differently and he can tell you which supplements would be best for you. Always take vitamins and supplements as directed on the label.