Spine Surgery Recovery Time

If you have been suffering from a chronic neck pain or back pain, spine surgery can be an option to get away from the pain. However, you will need to think, if spine surgery is indeed required, as not everyone can cope with spine surgery. At the same time, it is important, that you take the approximate spine surgery recovery time into consideration before you actually decide upon it. If you are just out after the surgery, at the very onset, a piece of advise will be not to push yourself too much after the surgery. If the spine is not given sufficient time to recuperate, then the recovery time will increase. The recovery process is only complete, only when the damaged tissues are healed and the patient rebuilds strength in the spine.

Cervical Spine Surgery Recovery Time

In a cervical spine surgery, herniated discs, also known as a slip disc, is a very common problem. Cervical surgery is performed in the neck, so as to have access to the spine. Common to any surgery, the cervical spine surgery does not feel good, but it is an invasive surgery. There are a few factors,which will decide the time a patient will spend in the hospital. These factors are:

• How well did the procedure go?
• What does your surgeon feel about your condition?
• How well does your body react to the surgery?

A patient is required to stay in the hospital for a minimum period of a week, after the surgery. Depending on the patient's condition, the doctors can ask the patient to walk around a little or get up on the first or second day of the surgery. This is done, in order to alleviate pressure on the spine. The patient will take approximately 5 weeks from the time he returns home from the length of time spent in the hospital, to recover completely. The patient should take care that he does not put undue pressure on the spine during this period. Undue stress on the neck, hampers the patient's chances of a full recovery and also increases the recovery time. Before you leave the hospital to come home after the surgery, make sure you have a word with your surgeon about the dos and don'ts of your everyday routine.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Recovery Time

Lumbar spine surgery is performed on the lower back to alleviate lower back pain. Pain in the lower back is often confused with sciatica. It can be performed as an open spine surgery as well as by using a minimal invasive technique. When the surgery is done by using a minimal invasive technique, a small incision is made in the patient's side and a series of small holes are made along the spine. The open spine surgery recovery period is six to twelve months. In case of a minimal invasive spinal surgery it is four to six weeks.

Recovery From Spine Surgery

Recovery from a spine surgery is a long process, especially if an open spine surgery is performed. To shorten the spine surgery recovery period, the patient will have to undergo a strict rehabilitation process. The two factors, which will decide the recovery, are ability to heal quickly and strength of the patient. In a bid to recover faster from the surgery, the patient should not push oneself, as it can cause a setback in the recovery process. After undergoing a spine surgery, one must be ready to take ample amount of rest to facilitate faster recovery process.

Once you come back home, you should try to resume your normal activities slowly and steadily. It is best not to work around too much in the kitchen after a back surgery. You may be of the opinion, that working in the kitchen is a simple task and will not cause a lot of stress on your spine. However, it is not the case. Therefore, it is best to stick to frozen meals. Also if there are certain items that you may need daily and they are placed closer to the floor or way higher, than your height, then yo will want to change their place. Place the items on such a height, from where you can easily pick up the item.

You can speak to your surgeon and start an exercise program. The simplest of all exercises is to walk. First start with short distances and gradually you can increase the distance. Remember not to stand or sit for too long a stretch, as this can put strain on your spine. After a spine surgery it is very common to have a stiff back. If you have a stiff back with a mild or dull back pain, walking a short distance, or even a warm shower will work to disperse the pain. In case the mattress you sleep on is not stiff, it is advisable that you invest in a firm mattress. Last but not the least, take care of the incision. If you notice redness, swelling or oozing from the incision, consult your surgeon, without wasting any time. When you are recovering from a spine surgery, you will have to ensure you do not bend down, lift an object, twist or try to reach to pick an object. All of these can stress the spine immensely, which in turn will hinder the rehabilitation process.

Physiotherapy is also suggested for fast recovery. Physical therapy is often started anywhere between four to six weeks after the surgery. However, this time can vary from one patient to another. In some cases, it may be lesser and in some cases it may be more, depending on the healing of the spine. In case there are muscle spasms or pain in the leg, changing positions helps. It is important that you take enough rest. These exercises help in faster recovery and reduce pain and heal the condition.

As time goes by you can slowly incorporate your daily schedule into your routine, consult your physician before you start any back exercises to regain your strength. Your spine is so as to speak, your back bone, neglecting or abusing it while in recovery, will leave you with long-lasting, irreversible effects for the worst. I hope this article on spine surgery recovery time is of help to you. Wish you a speedy recovery!