|
|
 |
Spine Surgery : Post Operative Care
Once a surgery or treatment procedure has been done and the wounds have healed, you will still need to care for your back! The surgical wound heals within 2-3 weeks. However, it takes 3-6 months for a fusion to become solid enough to support your weight without the aid of a brace. Expect to wear a brace for at least 3 months. Patients who smoke will need the brace longer, because the nicotine in cigarettes inhibits bone fusion. In some cases, the length of time in a brace will be lessened due to the type of fusion done. The stronger the instrumentation, the less need for bracing. Physical therapy will be initiated within a few weeks of the surgery to avoid weakening of the back muscles due to bracing and inactivity.
Remember that your back is like a car: even after a problem has been repaired, you still have to maintain it, otherwise, there are many other parts of it that can still break down.
The following will often be necessary to avoid further problems:
- Reducing weight toward your ideal weight!
- Good hydration (Water! Not beer or pop!)
- Regular exercises, including strengthening exercises,
especially of the back and waist!
- Smoking cessation!
- Good back mechanics!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
