Five Secrets to a Perfect Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery
You are going through severe and debilitating back pain, and now your doctor has told you that spinal fusion surgery is your best hope for recovery. In addition to the pain, there is now intense anxiety about having major surgery. This worry is so bad that sometimes you can’t eat or sleep well. Does this ring a bell? Well, you are not alone, and hopefully this article will help you get back on your feet and gain the pain-free life you want.
The first tip may seem obvious but it can be forgotten. Listen to your doctor and, most importantly, follow his advice. Most likely, he will provide pain management, recommend a course of physical therapy, and give you a list of do’s and don’ts. Very often we listen to our doctors, but we don’t always put their advice into practice. Follow the advice immediately and stick to it. Occasionally, there are complications with spinal fusion surgery, but if you report problems to your doctor quickly, there is little reason why your recovery won’t go well. During your recovery, your pain should gradually decrease, but if it doesn’t, talk to your doctor about the best course of action.
In addition to what the doctor orders, there are a number of things you can do to naturally aid the recovery process. The key secret to helping your own recovery is to think positive. This can also be called ‘mind over matter’. Thinking that you will never recover will make the process take much longer. However, don’t expect your pain to go away overnight. Disappointment can also lead to a negative state of mind. Be positive and realistic. Think about the ways you can help your recovery mentally and try to apply them.
During your recovery, you may find that a plate is literally the only thing you can lift, so before you have surgery it’s a good idea to prepare for your recovery. Stock your freezer with ready meals and as many groceries as you can, organize your home so you can get in and out of bed easily, and set up a comfortable chair. If you need to fix something, do it before surgery if you can.
After spinal fusion surgery, doctors usually arrange a physiotherapy course with a qualified therapist. He/she will be able to help you with an exercise routine that will restore strength in your back while staying within your physical limits. It is important to start this as soon as you can. Your muscles need to regain their strength.
Adequate rest is also an important factor in your recovery. But it’s also a good idea to get up during the day and get a little exhausted to sleep at night. It’s also important to keep your mind active, perhaps picking up that hobby you’ve been meaning to do for a long time. You will be staying at home, so make sure that day and night are separated.
Spinal fusion surgery may seem like a scary prospect, but if you follow these simple yet powerful secrets, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a smooth recovery, and before you know it you’ll be awake, energized, and active without the dark spectrum of back pain ruining your life.