Back surgery can be daunting; many of us don’t realize how startlingly involved in even our slightest motions our backs are until we injure it. Scary enough, spinal issues can leave you paralyzed. If you’re facing back surgery and fretting about recovering after back surgery, there are a few small things you can do to get you back on your feet in no time.
Tips for Recovering After Back Surgery:
Nutrition
The first line of defense for recovering after back surgery is a healthy diet! High protein whole foods are the best way to go (in general as well as post-surgery), as well as lots of water. Avoiding unprocessed sugars, alcohol and junk food can go leagues towards recovery. Emphasize whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies and healthy proteins such as salmon to speed recuperation. High fiber foods such as peas, broccoli, avocados, artichoke, and legumes can help too; fiber tends to flush out toxins and therefore bolster the body’s defense mechanisms, creating an environment excellent for the healing process.
Pain Relief
Though most surgical facilities will send you home with prescription painkillers, sometimes you can help supplement the relief of the discomfort with home remedies as well. Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen (with your doctor’s approval) can help, as can ice packs and heating pads. It’s important to note that some painkillers can cause constipation, therefore a laxative from your local drug store can be useful.
Gear
Canes, walkers, and grabbers (or reachers, as they are often affectionately called) can be useful gadgets for getting around the house when recovering after back surgery. Similarly, a toilet riser – used to extend the toilet seat – can make life much easier; much strain can be put on the lower back when rising from a low seated position. Shower seats, recliners and body pillows can all help. Thes make day to day tasks such as bathing, sleeping and relaxing much more comfortable through recovery. Other handy tools? Back braces, back scratchers, mini-fridges positioned nearby and even silk pajamas.
Entertainment
Doubtless on the journey to recovering after back surgery, you’ll get a little bored. Depending on the extremity of the surgery itself and how invasive, movies and television can help greatly, as can books, magazines, music, crosswords, and even video games. If you’re looking for a little creativity injected into the dreary monotony of waiting for your body to recuperate, try an adult coloring book.
Support While Recovering after Back Surgery
Friends and family will be handy to have nearby during the period after back surgery. Whether to check up on you, pet care, help around the house and the yard, chauffeuring or just keeping you company, you’ll want to keep them close at hand. Indeed, sharing your story of recovery online can be therapeutic and help with loneliness and boredom, too. You might also be helping someone else who’s also recovering after back surgery or something similar!
General Wellness
It helps to have a plan to get better that extends beyond day to day decisions. Physical therapists and doctors must be your first line of defense. Their numbers should be on speed-dial for when back pain is too intense or recovery is not going as planned.
Sleep is also very important; as the key period for recovery and rest, sleeping frequently and well will increase the rate of healing for your back surgery. But exercise is important too, once it becomes possible and reasonable; short walks around the neighborhood or even yoga can do wonders. Massage therapy can work wonders on an ailing back too, helping to stimulate muscles and prevent atrophy.
Above all, remember to be patient with yourself and stay positive while recovering after back surgery. With a little time and diligence, you’ll be back on your feet in no time!
