How to Heal from Back Surgery

Recovery from any surgery may be difficult and painful, but after back surgery, healing may seem like a distant goal. Keep focused and follow the recommendations of your surgeon to ensure that your back properly heals. You can make your post-operative time a smooth and healing transition.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask for help. Some back surgeries will require you stay in the hospital overnight or for a few days post-op. Even if you are an independent person, it is crucial now to ask for help getting out of bed or moving in certain directions. Maintain the healing process; don't hinder it by being stubborn. In the hospital, the nurses or other trained staff are there to assist you, so take advantage of their help.

• 2

  Use your medications when you are in pain. Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable. If you are concerned about the addictiveness of pain medications, speak with your health care provider. Excruciating pain will only delay the healing process.

• 3

  Utilize alternate pain relief methods as well. In addition to pain medication, methods like moist heat or icing can stop or reduce swelling and make resuming some of your normal activities, such as walking or moving, easier to do.

• 4

  Actively participate in your therapy. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your back, restore normal movement and make resuming your daily activities easier. Therapy continues the overall healing process by making your body healthy and strong.

• 5

  Quit smoking. This is easier said than done, but not smoking will promote quicker healing to the incision and the surrounding muscles. Ask your doctor what methods are available to assist you in quitting.