After spine surgery, nearly every patient faces a challenging period of recovery that often includes one or more forms of physical therapy. A person who has experienced the trauma of spine surgery – whether open back surgery or a minimally invasive procedure – must re-learn how to sit, how to stand, how to walk, and everything else he or she once took for granted regarding posture ad movement. That’s how a physical therapist can help. Yet, physical therapy is only one aspect of the recovery process. There are many other factors to consider, as well.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the first few hours after spine surgery, a patient will focus almost exclusively on healing. The body has undergone a tremendous trauma, and it needs time to re-adjust. Incisions must heal, and any bone graft material or metal and plastic stabilizing hardware must be given time to “settle in.” A patient will be held in close observation for the first 24 hours, generally, and longer for more extensive or open back procedures.

The First Few Hours

If the procedure required an overnight hospital stay, the patient must reach a certain level of recovery before being discharged. The details will be up to the surgeon. The same is true following a minimally invasive procedure, with the exception that the patient is never admitted to a hospital; rather, he or she will be held in a recovery room while any anesthesia that was used wears off. No matter where the operation took place, there is a chance that a physical therapist will be called upon to start helping the patient regain his or her equilibrium almost as soon as the anesthesia has worn off. Some patients are able to sit up and even take a few steps in the first few hours after surgery. This should only be attempted under the supervision of a medical professional, however.

The First Month

The goal during the first few weeks after spine surgery is to help the patient heal while gradually regaining mobility and the ability to function on his or her own. Every patient experienced recovery differently, so any time table given must take into account the specific challenges faced by the particular patient. It is during the first two to four weeks that a patient must pay extremely close attention to the symptoms he or she is experiencing. While some discomfort and even fairly severe pain is normal, it should begin to diminish significantly by the end of the first month after surgery. If not, a doctor should be informed.

The Next Five Months

Until a spine surgery patient has reached the six-month mark after the operation, he or she will most likely be held to a very strict regimen of exercise, stretching, and physical therapy. Any deviation from this schedule will almost certainly be frowned upon by the doctor and physical therapist, who should be kept informed throughout the process of any changes to symptoms. You will gradually be able to increase your activity: lifting more than 10 pounds, driving, working, playing with kids, etc. But each step should be taken with proper consideration, always monitoring the physical effects of the increase in activity.

How Long Until You’re ‘Healed?’

As with everything else regarding spine surgery, the amount of time it takes to return to full activity will depend on the patient. The most important thing to remember during recovery from spine surgery is to stay patient. You must remember at all times that the reason you chose to undergo surgery was to give yourself a chance for health and happiness in the long term. In the short term, that means remaining disciplined and patient during physical therapy, and following your doctor’s instructions to the letter.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy or recovery.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy and recovery. http://www.spine-exercises.com/

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy or recovery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Physical therapy, recovery