It’s only natural that one of the first questions patients ask upon being informed that they should have back surgery is when they can resume going to work and completing other normal activities. The answer to this question varies widely based on several factors. For example, if you’re undergoing a discectomy, you may only need to wait a few weeks after your surgery for your back to feel better. If you’re going in for a more intensive surgery like fusion surgery, however, you’ll need to wait for weeks months to feel back up to snuff. Your recovery also depends on your age at the time of the surgery – young people tend to recover from operations more quickly than older patients. You should also keep in mind that your return to work is dictated by how physically taxing your job is. Office workers who spend much of their time at their desks will find it easier to get back into the swing of things than people with more physically demanding jobs. Even the severity of your condition before surgery can dictate your personal recovery time.

While you heal, there are many activities you’ll need to avoid if you want to refrain from reinjuring your back. You need to watch the amount of time you spend walking in the first two weeks after your surgery and limit your trips up or down stairs, as these activities could be sources of pain for you as the spine recovers. Sitting can also cause problems, so only stay seated for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time, and, if your doctor recommends that you use a back brace, wear it. It should help to support your back while walking or sitting.

One of the main things to avoid after your back surgery is lifting heavy items, which, for the time following your surgery, can be defined as anything weighing more than 10 pounds. Actions that you’ve taken for granted like bringing in groceries from the car or simply shuttling a laundry basket from your room to the washing machine will be off-limits for a while. You’ll also need some help if you have to pick up children on a regular basis because you shouldn’t be carrying around anyone heavier than an infant. Even when you handle smaller, more manageable items, you’ll need to be extremely cautious, especially in the way you pick them up. Whereas you might normally bend your back as you reach for something on the floor or a low table, you’ll need to utilize your knees and squat down to retrieve items after your spine surgery. As you lower yourself toward the floor, make every effort to keep your spine as straight as possible. Keep your spine in mind as you perform other tasks such as switching from a reclining position to sitting or standing, as well as other everyday tasks like getting dressed.

You’ll also need to care for your wounds and manage your pain. The incision should be kept dry for a week after surgery, and your surgeon should advise you on when you can resume showering. When you do, you’ll need to take precautions against having water beat down on the incision, and, because your range of motion will be limited, you’ll likely need someone to help you at first. Managing your pain can be done using the medications your doctor has prescribed. Be sure to get these prescriptions filled as soon as possible so they’ll be ready when you need them. Be mindful of the dosing directions accompanying the medicine, and also try to time when you take them. For example, if you know you’ll be getting up to take a walk or to shower, try to take your medication 30 minutes prior to ensure it is in your system before undergoing a more stressful task.

Keeping these simple tips in mind can make your road to recovery and resuming your everyday life shorter and smoother.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, he is able to offer advice in various fields, including health.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, he is able to offer advice in various fields, including health. http://laserspine.net/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, he is able to offer advice in various fields, including health.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spine, spine surgery, back surgery, back pain, spinal fusion