How to Recover From Herniated Disc Surgery
Many people live with a herniated disc and use a variety of natural methods to cope with the pain. However, the condition becomes more serious for some people, depending upon such factors as the location of the herniated disc. In severe situations, surgery may be unavoidable. If you are facing surgery to correct a herniated disc, you should take the time to learn how to ensure you’ll experience the best possible recovery.
Plan For Your Recovery
Once you’re released from the hospital following your herniated disc surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. You may still feel groggy from the medication and your back will be sore. This is why your surgeon will require that you find a loved one who can drive you home. Once you get home, you should have everything you need to relax. Have comfortable, loose-fitting clothing available to wear. You should also set everything up to be in easy reach, including the remote control for the television, a food tray, and bottled water. If something falls or you need something out of reach, it’s a good idea to have someone there to get those things for you. Avoid reaching, bending, or doing anything that puts strain on your back.
Avoid Overexerting Yourself
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions about what you can and shouldn’t do throughout your post-surgery recovery. Typically, this includes avoiding situations in which you have to bend at the waist. You should avoid these activities for two to three weeks. You should also avoid twisting your body and lifting anything over five pounds. If you can’t have a loved one home with you, it may be helpful to hire a home care aide to stay with you for a few hours each day. When lying on your side, put a pillow between your legs to relieve back pressure.
Recognize the Signs of a Problem
While you may already be familiar with herniated disc symptoms, you should be aware of other signs of a problem. If you do experience any unusual sensations or pain, be sure to contact your surgeon immediately. Since this is an invasive surgery, you should be particularly aware of the early signs of infection, including numbness, tingling, bleeding, or weakness. Additionally, high fever and cold sweats can also develop as the result of an infection. If you can’t see the incision site clearly by using a mirror, have a loved one check the site regularly. Any unusual changes to your health should be reported to your doctor even if they seem unrelated to your surgery.
Eat a Healthy Diet
It’s not uncommon to experience a loss of appetite after any type of surgery, but you should still eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. You’ll be dehydrated after your surgery, which is why your doctor will tell you to drink more water than usual. Your body will also need the vitamins and nutrients found in plant-based foods to build up your immune system and aid in your recovery. You should look for fruits and vegetables that are high in natural fiber. A higher intake of fiber will help your body avoid constipation. This is an important consideration because difficult bowel movements can put excessive strain on the back muscles. Ask your surgeon if you need a stool softener.
Start Getting Some Exercise
After the first few weeks of recovery, you should start to resume some level of physical activity. It’s important to work closely with your surgeon in developing an exercise routine that won’t complicate your recovery. In general, you should start slowly with modestly paced walks of short duration. Gradually, you can increase the pace of your walks. Your surgeon should give you a list of exercises to do daily to help you restore your strength and stamina. Before increasing the frequency or intensity of your exercises, be sure to check with your surgeon.
If you experience any type of back pain that’s persistent or severe, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. While some pain may simply be caused by muscle strain, identifying more serious conditions early can help you experience a more effective response to treatment. Once your doctor diagnoses your back pain problem, you can discuss your options for recovery.
