Tips To Help You Recover From Spine Surgery
Having to do spine surgery can be terrifying. You have undoubtedly heard how sensitive this part of the body can be and you may be worried that something could go wrong. This is a normal fear that many people face. One of the best ways to ensure that you recover from the surgery is to be prepared. Your doctor will walk you through what you need to know about the procedure but it is up to you to make sure that your recovery goes smoothly. Here are some tips.
Caring for the Wound
Your bandages may fall off within a few days. If they do not fall off then you should ask your surgeon if you can remove them yourself. It is more than likely that you will feel numbness or even pain in the area where you got the incision. You may also notice that it looks red. You will need to check every day to make sure that the wound is not swollen and that it doesn't get redder. If you notice any of this happening you will need to call your doctor.
Be Careful How You Shower
You cannot just begin showering as soon as you get home. You will need to check with your surgeon before you can start doing this again. This is because you will normally need to keep the incision dry for the first several days. The first time you take a shower it is probably best to get someone to assist you. This is because you do not want the showerhead to spray your incision at any time.
Your Activity Will Have to Change
Make sure that you stay moderately active. This means that you should try not to sit for longer than thirty minutes at any given time. If you have been given a back brace, make sure that you use it whenever you plan to sit or walk.
You can take short walks after your surgery and, as you gain strength, you can then take longer walks. However, you should avoid lifting. This means that you should not be picking up young children, grocery bags, or even your laundry basket.
Recovering from your surgery can go smoothly but you will need to be strategic about it. Make sure that your home is comfortable and that you have help for the first few weeks as this will greatly help the recovery process. Contact a company, such as Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C., for more information.
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