How to Avoid the Risk of Postoperative Spinal Injury

If you've just had surgery performed on your spine, you can take important steps to prevent further injury. Failing to follow these steps can lead to an aggravation of the previous injury or a new problem. Without proper post-operative care, you may compensate for your newly-repaired, still-healing spinal cord by placing extra strain on your back muscles or other areas of your spine. This can cause a back sprain, vertebral compression fractures, tethered cord syndrome, or other conditions.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke weakens bones, your heart, and your general immune system. It's been clinically proven that smoking cigarettes increases your risk of further spinal injury.

• 2

  Exercise lightly or begin a physical therapy program. It's important to strengthen the muscles and bones in your back; otherwise, they may atrophy and weaken. Too much exercise, such as a heavy lifting program, is not recommended. Before starting any exercise program, make sure you have proper supervision by a licensed fitness professional or therapist. This will help you avoid further injury.

• 3

  Eat foods that encourage healthy bones. Calcium is essential for strong bone formation, so look for foods such as milk, beans, tofu, fortified cereal, and cooked spinach. Vitamin D expedites healthy calcium absorption, so also seek out tuna, salmon, eggs, and cheese.