Follow These Steps to Quickly Recover After a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Some health complications can only be corrected through a surgical procedure. For instance, you would need spine surgery or MISS if you suffer conditions like spinal instability or tumors. People always prefer this approach to an open incision because it’s safer and takes less time to heal. After the procedure, it’s essential to focus on the crucial aspects of the recovery journey, eating healthy and getting enough rest. This extra effort makes the healing smoother and fastens the process. Below are steps to promote quick recovery after the operation.

Spine Care

A minimally invasive back surgery requires a small incision. As a result, most patients are discharged from the hospital after a day or two. You’re tasked with caring for the incision until you are fully recovered. Exercises like short walks are essential when healing. Based on the progress, increase the distance gradually. They help rebuild and strengthen muscle tone.

Most importantly, avoid activities that involve bending and twisting your back frequently. Also, don’t lift heavy objects above the head, especially if you’ve had a spine infusion. For some individuals, climbing stairs is restricted in the first few weeks. Consult your surgeon about whether to use stairs or not.

Pain Management

After the operation, you’re likely to experience post-operative pain. Fortunately, the doctor prescribes some oral medications and muscle relaxants to help relieve pain after the operation. It would be appropriate to take medicine as directed. Do not overdose. If the medicine is ineffective, call the surgeon for further guidance. Some painkillers can be bought over the counter. However, it would help if you were keen to ensure they’re not anti-inflammatory. When taken, they impede bone growth, which is vital in ensuring that the fusion forms successfully. Other non-drug pain relievers include gentle massages and short re-positioning.

Bathing and Incision Care

Proper care for the surgical cut is essential in healing following the operation. Immediately after the operation, don’t use ointments or lotions on the opening. In addition, avoid swimming or bathing in a hot tub until you heal. Soaking the opening in water without the surgeon’s permission increases your susceptibility to infection and slows the journey to recovery.

Surgeons recommend keeping the incision area clean and dry. Consider washing it with water and soap and wipe it gently with a clean piece of cloth to dry. Also, do not remove the incision sutures unless instructed by the surgeon.

Post-Operative Bracing

You’ll most likely get back to mobility two weeks after the operation. Bracing is crucial to prevent unnecessary movement. In addition, it provides support around the cut area to maintain the back in a neutral position. Ensure you put on the brace as instructed by the surgeon. You can, however, remove it to attend to personal hygiene. There are different types of braces. Some are simple and corset-like, while others are rigid and fitted specifically for your body.

Undergoing a minimally invasive spine surgery will make you realize that it is better than traditional surgery. However, your healing process will be successful if you carefully follow the above steps. Follow the surgeon’s instructions to manage the pain and discomfort, and you’ll soon feel better.