After Spine Surgery

After back surgery it is expected that some scar tissue will have formed during the healing process, but it is very rare though for this scar tissue to cause pain. During your recovery time it is also helpful to use stretching exercises to minimize the amount of scar tissue that is formed around nerve roots. It is always best to follow the doctor’s instructions after surgery so that you lessen the chances of complications arising.

Healing time after back surgery will be dependent on how successful your surgery was, what procedure was performed, how severe your symptoms were, and how long your symptoms affected you prior to surgery. The process could range anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Almost all patients will have some form of post-operative rehabilitation program that can help to keep your back as healthy as it can be. This would include stretching, strengthening and conditioning techniques as well as learning proper posture techniques.

In the case of a spinal fusion where there is a loss of flexibility and range of motion in the back, patents are taught new ways to sit, stand, walk and go about their daily activities without further damaging the vertebrae above and below the fusion. Keep in mind thought, with a spinal fusion it is possible to damage the vertebrae above and below the repair as they are now subjected to more force then before.

When it comes to rehabilitation regimens the more complicated a surgery is, and the longer a patient has had back problems, the harder and longer your rehabilitation will be. There are now many minimally invasive surgeries that can be performed instead of traditional open back surgeries for many spinal conditions, although you must meet certain criteria to be able undergo them. Many patients need to use the more traditional surgical procedure that require larger incisions and are more invasive in nature.
Some small things you may wish to consider for after your surgery are:

• It may not be possible for you to move around much, if you are living alone it would be best if you had a friend or family member there to help you out during your first few weeks of recovery

• Follow all of your doctor’s orders, if he or she tells you no lifting, walking, leaning forward using your back in any way it is best you listen to them. Your back is very delicate right now as it tries to heal itself

• If you have any small children or pets you may want to have someone help care for them as you will be largely immobile

• If you experience any of these symptoms it is best to contact your doctor right away as there may be a problem. Severe pain or weakness and numbness of your back or extremities. Swelling where your incision is. Difficulty breathing or a loss of bowel and bladder controlr

If after your surgery and rehabilitation you are still experiencing pain your doctor may want to run more diagnostic exams to rule out any new problems that might have occurred.

It is also possible that the surgery itself has failed due to a variety of reasons.

If you have any questions about your back pain or which surgical procedures may be performed to correct your back pain it is best to consult with a doctor.